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 that collect, transport and process waste. Only when individuals deliberately violate the rules will they be punished.

Compared with compulsory garbage sorting introduced to Shanghai in 2019, Beijing's measures are much more flexible. It is a gradual and progressive process. In the initial phase, residents need not separate wet and dry waste, nor dispose of garbage at a fixed time and place.

If unsure whether to classify something as kitchen waste or recyclable, residents can place the rubbish into the bin for other waste. It is hoped that a gradual introduction of the new rules can lessen public resistance to garbage classification, although it will doubtless take time for people to get used to the new system.

Since the introduction of the regulations across Beijing, most people have voiced their support and willingness to follow the regulations. Given the failure of similar garbage classification schemes in the past, the key difference this time will be the active involvement of the public.

Equally important is the compliance of those processing garbage, whose failure to comply in the past negated any efforts by the public to separate their waste. The supervision of watchdogs will be important to monitor and maintain the movement to reduce waste and improve the environment.

For a better urban life

Yin Chengyue (Beijing Evening News): The classification, disposal and recycling of city waste will reduce the accumulation of garbage while reusing useful materials. It reflects the principles of sustainable development and good management of urban life.

Although these measures will become a small part of people's daily lives, the government is treating it as a big issue. Organizations as well as residents are required to carefully sort garbage according to strict standards. Businesses and members of the public are instructed to set up the appropriate vessels for waste disposal, while restaurants and hotels are no longer permitted to offer disposable tableware. The production of ultra-thin plastic bags has also been forbidden, with watchdogs to fine those who sell or provide plastic shopping bags free of charge. These small individual measures are expected to coalesce into a major revolution in garbage reduction and environmental protection.

Although proposals for garbage sorting were put forward several years ago, implementation has faltered for a variety of reasons. Compared with older versions of garbage classification guidelines, these new regulations have detailed instructions on who is to classify garbage and how, as well as who is responsible for the scheme's supervision and fines. Residents, organizations, industries and watchdogs now all know their place. The more detailed the instructions, the more effective their execution. The more clarity regarding accountability, the easier supervision will be.

Garbage sorting may be a trivial issue in the lives of individuals, but in the realm of urban management it is key. A clean urban environment depends on the effective implementation of the relevant regulations.

Wang Yanhu (The Beijing News): There may be some obstacles in the early days as new regulations on garbage classification bring a perceived layer of inconvenience to the lives of Beijing's residents.

Furthermore, while the threat of the coronavirus pandemic remains, it is difficult for publicity to be carried out in support of the new scheme. Fortunately, much of this work can be done online.

While individuals and households are now obliged to classify garbage according to regulations, watchdogs must also play their part in their enforcement. Not only should they monitor the compliance of households and organizations, but the adherence of those responsible for processing garbage should be closely watched as well. Also, new rules should not be unyielding and need be adapted according to local and specific conditions.

Garbage classification is a good practice, which should be adopted throughout the country as quickly as possible. Of course, whether this task can be achieved depends on cooperation from all parties. The ultimate goal is that garbage classification becomes a matter of daily routine for everyone.

Growing new healthy habits

Jin Yuhong (Beijing Youth Daily): Garbage classification is a revolution in environmental management. The transition from old habits to new ones will not happen overnight and so time is needed for residents to incorporate these now mandatory practices into their routines. Everybody is obligated to do so, otherwise improving the overall environment of the whole city won't be possible.

Thanks to adequate education and publicity there is already general consensus across the country on the necessity of garbage sorting. Nonetheless, challenges remain in the process of implementing such a system.

Disposable cups and boxes can be easily thrown into the bin for kitchen waste or into those designated for recyclable material. Due to the high cost of recycling them, such items in fact belong in the other waste category.

There must be guidance available from volunteers stationed near community bins, or, at least, detailed instructions online. Such problems are inevitable at first, but timely assistance will be important in the effective implementation of the new regulations on garbage classification.

Cui Wenjia (Beijing Daily): Garbage classification is a basic obligation for Beijing's residents, and not something that individuals can choose to do or not. For more than a decade, publicity about garbage classification and the importance of relieving cities of trash has been established in the public consciousness. Most people already have some idea of what qualifies as kitchen, recyclable and harmful waste.

However, for many years, garbage classification has not been successful. The vast majority of urban residents continue with what they are used to, despite widespread knowledge about garbage classification and its importance. The reason for this failure is simple: publicity alone is not enough without enforcement. Rarely have people sacrificed their own convenience to correctly classify their waste. The new regulation goes a step further than previous measures by making compliance mandatory rather than optional. It is now a legal obligation for every citizen to classify their garbage. Those who refuse will be punished and fined.

It generally takes years for new practices to become routine. After all, old habits die hard. Without a strong incentive, it is difficult for people to embrace new habits, such as routinely classifying household waste.

Superficially, garbage classification is a physical act, but its implementation requires a psychological shift. Sustainable ways of living will not take hold in society overnight. The government must nurture and promote progressive living. Beijing is the capital of this vast country, and thus it must take the lead in garbage classification and set an example. Its successful experience in urban management can provide valuable lessons to other cities around the country.

Copyedited by Laurence Coulton