The Shanghai Zero-Waste Innovation Forum takes place on Aug 16. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]

Shanghai is making strides in its mission to become a "zero-waste city" with the establishment of 369 "zero-waste cells" and the development of collaborative "zero-waste groups" comprising companies from various provinces and cities. This progress was showcased at the Shanghai Zero-Waste Innovation Forum held on Aug 16, where the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment unveiled the city's latest advancements in the realm of "zero-waste city" construction.

"Zero-waste city cells" serve as designated social entities committed to implementing the core tenets of establishing a "zero-waste city" through the adoption of effective technological solutions and management practices. These cells actively promote green production methods and sustainable lifestyle choices, with the overarching goal of reducing solid waste generation while maximizing resource utilization and ensuring environmentally friendly waste disposal practices.

Shanghai's initial cohort of 30 city-level "zero-waste city cells" spans across five distinct categories: zero-waste factories, zero-waste hospitals, zero-waste schools, zero-waste government offices, and zero-waste express delivery points. Each cell is tasked with implementing tailored strategies to minimize waste production and enhance resource efficiency within its specific domain.

A prime example of a "zero-waste cell" can be found at the Pengpu Xincun Post Office in the Jing'an district. Here, customers are encouraged to opt for digital ordering via the China Post online platform, while the office utilizes recycled paper boxes and eco-friendly packaging materials to reduce waste. The adoption of sustainable packaging methods, such as narrow tape and green packaging solutions, further contributes to minimizing environmental impact.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by substantial waste generation in a densely populated and industrially intensive city like Shanghai, the Shanghai authority has outlined key strategies to propel the city towards its zero-waste objectives. These include the enforcement of zero-waste city construction regulations, the implementation of comprehensive zero-waste city construction plans, the establishment of a unified digital waste management platform, and the expansion of "zero-waste urban cell" initiatives.

In a bid to foster cross-industry collaboration and innovation, Shanghai is also spearheading the formation of "zero-waste groups" comprising companies from diverse sectors and regions. For instance, Shanghai Chengtou, a municipal investment group, is pioneering internal recycling practices by repurposing byproducts from its hazardous waste treatment operations as additives for its water treatment business. Additionally, construction waste from Chengtou's projects is being utilized as landfill material for road construction endeavors, showcasing a holistic approach to waste management and resource utilization.

Moreover, Shanghai Chengtou is carrying out initiatives such as utilizing electricity generated from waste incineration to power its fleet of garbage trucks, underscoring the city's commitment to innovative and sustainable waste management practices.

Source: Shanghai Observer