[Photo/IC] 

Local authorities in Zhejiang recently published a classification standard for urban household waste to apply all over the province – the first provincial standard of its kind issued in China.

The standard will be implemented from Nov 1, officials said.

"Cities in Zhejiang used to refer to related national documents when classifying household waste, while having differences with each other over some details," said an official in charge of waste classification in Zhejiang.

"Now we have a uniform standard to guide them in waste classification," he added.

The new standard both conforms to national requirements and suits the specific conditions in Zhejiang, local authorities said.

It follows the established mode of dividing household wastes into four categories – recyclable, hazardous, perishable and other wastes. Officials said it designates a collection container color for each of the four categories: blue for recyclables, red for hazardous waste, green for perishable rubbish and grey for other waste.

Bulky waste, garden rubbish and decoration rubbish that is easily mistaken for household refuse is also covered by the standard, to differentiate it from household materials.

In addition, specific operational procedures – ranging from the disposal of garbage to collection, transportation and the treatment of garbage – are stipulated in the standard.

The standard also requires that different locations – such as residential zones, hospitals and schools – set up garbage collection containers based on their specific needs.