By Chang Jiwen, Zhao Kai & Hou Yun, Research Team on “Major Issues on the Revision of the Law on Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Waste”, Research Institute of Resources and Environment Policies, DRC

Research Report, No.218, 2020 (Total 5962) 2020-9-8

Abstract: Since 2017 when some areas in China took the lead in the drive of refuse sorting in line with the Central Government’s reform requirements, 77,000 communities including 49 million households in total have made trash classification, covering 53.9 percent residential areas across the county. Although more and more residents are capable of doing garbage sorting in a proper manner, some problems still remain to be addressed. For instance, inadequate law-based measures have led to uneven development in this work; the lack of universal regulations has caused discrepancy in pushing ahead with garbage classification among different areas; it is difficult to raise the entire effects due to weak cohesion between various disposal links，high costs in building the facilities for trash sorting and inadequate incentives and binding regulations. In order to advance refuse sorting in a law-based, scientific and effective manner, it is necessary to improve the legislative system, delineate the responsibilities of different parties involved in this work, and ensure balanced progress nationwide. In this regard, we need to strengthen the Party building and the Party’s leading role in launching extensive programs for garbage classification by way of common efforts and targeted measures. Different social groups need to apply the universal standards to enhance the results for garbage classification. Besides, we need to implement a national unified plan for smoother connection between different disposal links. And we need to drive scientific and technological innovations, adopt evaluation mechanisms for social performance and explore incentive mechanism measures such as environmental management and protection account.

Keywords: refuse sorting, standards, law-based, scientific, effective