Waste Resource Utilization in Shanghai: Lessons Learned from a Pilot Project

The pilot project of urban domestic waste classification in China has undergone a long evolution process and encountered numerous challenges. The Shanghai municipal government has implemented a series of policies and established a city-wide system for collecting and processing recyclables. The government has also set up multiple waste sorting centers to classify, process, and sell recyclables. Moreover, the Shanghai government encourages enterprises to invest in the construction of waste-to-energy incineration plants and landfills. These measures have effectively improved the recycling and utilization rates of recyclables, reduced the cost of waste treatment, and minimized environmental pollution. The case of waste resource utilization in Shanghai provides valuable experience and insights for other cities.