Innovative approach

Given the high mobility of residents, the large number of renters, and the diverse expat population at Hou's apartment complex — which is home to over 1,000 residents — the volunteers created a bilingual manual in Chinese and English for newcomers.

It includes tips on how waste sorting is conducted in Shanghai, and gives the waste collection locations in the residential compound.

The volunteers try to involve students as much as possible in the work. They explain information and key points about garbage sorting to the students who sometimes join the volunteers at the garbage collection stations for an hour to observe the process.

"With hands-on experience, the youngsters can experience the entire process of garbage sorting close-up, thereby promoting the formation of such habits in the entire family," said Hou, 42, who is chairman of a medical technology enterprise.

Cui He from the social work office in the subdistrict, said collaboration with some enterprises had allowed residents to witness the tangible benefits of their waste sorting efforts. These enterprises have transformed recycled milk cartons into tables and chairs, which Cui's team placed in public spaces to motivate residents to continue their efforts.

Also guided by Xi's letter of reply, renovation of a waste collection station was completed in December in Hou's complex.

Open waste bins were transformed into a smart waste collection station with a metallic appearance, unique curved design, and rain covers fitted with solar panels. The renovated station is a modern and aesthetically pleasing addition to the residential compound.

"This waste collection station is equipped with a range of high-tech features, including sensor-operated doors — which only open when someone approaches — to reduce odor emissions, waste amount identification and alerts, and detection and notification of misplaced waste items," said Tian, who is in charge of trash sorting.

In terms of functionality, the waste collection station further categorizes recyclable waste into five types — glass, metal, plastic, paper, and textiles — beyond the general four categories: kitchen waste, recyclables, hazardous waste and general waste. Hazardous waste is divided into five types for separate disposal: light bulbs, batteries, medicines, mercury-containing waste, and organic solvent packaging.

The exterior of each bin is clearly labeled and has illustrations indicating the specific waste items to be deposited there. For instance, the bin for metal waste specifies items such as aluminum cans, milk powder tins, pots, metal cutlery, thermos bottles, faucets, computers, and small home appliances.

"Waste sorting teaches us about a more refined attitude toward life. By treating each piece of waste seriously, we are essentially reevaluating our relationship with material goods," said Hou.

In 2024, the city's daily recyclable waste recovery and hazardous waste separation reached nearly 8,000 metric tons and 2 tons, respectively, according to the Shanghai Landscaping and City Appearance Administrative Bureau.

Daily kitchen waste separation reached more than 9,200 tons per day, processed mostly through anaerobic digestion for biogas production and heating, with aerobic composting making up a small proportion of the amount.

In response to some public concerns about the convenience of waste disposal and the cleanliness of the environment, Shanghai carried out widespread face-lifts and upgrades of waste collection stations in residential compounds last year, the bureau said. In 2023, a total of 347 high-quality waste sorting locations had been established as exemplary projects within the apartment complexes.