Will the Public Embrace Beijing’s New Garbage Sorting Regulations?

Beijing has announced plans as one of 46 pilot cities to implement new household refuse management regulations from May 1. According to the regulations, household waste must be sorted into four categories: recyclable, harmful, kitchen and other. For the first time, organizations and individuals are explicitly designated as the subject of liability for garbage sorting. Restaurants and hotels are forbidden from offering disposable utensils. Garbage is not allowed be mixed during collection or transportation, with fines to be imposed.

If residents flout regulations and incorrectly classify garbage, they will receive a written warning, with a maximum fine of 200 yuan ($28) for a second violation.

However, the punishments for individuals are much less harsh than those for companies