China's Advanced Waste Management System

China's Advanced Waste Management System

China's waste management is undergoing a major transformation, shifting from a landfill-based system to one focused on incineration and recycling. This is driven by new government policies, including mandatory waste sorting in major cities. Despite the rapid growth in the number of incinerators, overcapacity persists, leading to proposals to redirect subsidies to the recycling industry and to retrofit some incinerators. The government is also promoting initiatives such as "Zero Waste City" pilots and strengthening regulations on industry and households to improve overall waste management practices.

Key Developments and Trends

From Landfill to Incineration: China's urban waste disposal model is shifting from a landfill-based model to one focused on incineration, the primary method for handling hazardous and industrial waste. The number of incinerators has increased dramatically, as has the total incineration capacity.

Mandatory Waste Sorting: Major cities such as Shanghai and Beijing have implemented mandatory waste sorting, with strict regulations and fines for violators. This policy aims to increase recycling rates and improve waste quality.

Implementation Challenges: Despite progress, mandatory sorting faces challenges, such as the potential for decreased public compliance due to weakened regulation. Furthermore, overcapacity in incineration facilities has emerged, driven by a combination of increased incineration capacity and increased recycling of combustible materials from waste sorting.

"Zero Waste City" Initiative: China has launched a "Zero Waste City" pilot program and plans to expand it to 113 cities and eight special administrative regions to promote comprehensive waste management reforms and reduce waste generation.

Growth in Recycling and Resource Utilization: Recycling and resource utilization are gaining traction, with specific policies being introduced for key waste streams such as used power batteries and low-value recyclables. Food waste is also a major issue, with anaerobic digestion being a common treatment method.

Policies and Investment Need Improvement: Analysts believe China needs to better balance investment in incineration with other methods such as composting and anaerobic digestion. Some have called for a moratorium on new incinerator approvals in oversupplied areas and for subsidies to be redirected toward developing the recycling industry.