Waste Sorting Method

Currently, most cities use the "four-category" method, which categorizes waste into the following four categories.

Some cities may add additional subcategories based on local conditions:

Definition: Household waste suitable for recycling and resource utilization.

Main Categories

Paper: Uncontaminated newspapers, periodicals, books, various wrapping paper (boxes), office paper, etc.

(Note: Paper towels and toilet paper are not recyclable due to their high water solubility).

Plastics: Various types of waste plastic bottles, plastic bags, plastic lunch boxes, plastic toys, plastic pipes, etc.

(These must be cleaned thoroughly; beverage bottles must be emptied).

Glass: Glass bottles, glasses, and glass fragments (must be free of sharp edges to avoid scratches).

Metal: Cans, metal tins, scrap wire, nails, scrap metal kitchen utensils, etc.

Textiles: Old clothing, sheets, curtains, towels, etc. (clean thoroughly and free of obvious stains).

Electronic waste: Used mobile phones, computers, chargers, printers, etc. (separate storage is recommended to prevent battery leakage).

Disposal

Sorted by a recycling company and then recycled. (e.g., plastic bottles into recycled plastic pellets, waste paper into recycled paper).

Definition: Perishable waste containing organic matter generated in daily life.

Main Categories

Catering Waste: Leftovers, leftovers, bones, fish bones, vegetable leaves, fruit peels, eggshells, tea leaves, etc.

Kitchen Waste: Vegetable leaves, roots, spoiled food, expired food, etc. generated in home kitchens.

Other: Fallen leaves from potted plants, flower petals, and small animal feces

(pet feces should be wrapped in biodegradable bags).

Notes

Packaging must be removed (plastic bags, plastic wrap, etc. are considered "other waste").

Large bones, shells, and durian hulls are not easily decomposed, so some cities classify them as "other waste."

Disposal

Composting, anaerobic fermentation, and other technologies can convert them into organic fertilizer or biofuel.

Definition: Waste containing hazardous substances that requires special safety handling.

Main Categories

Batteries: Used batteries (nickel-cadmium batteries, mercuric oxide batteries, lead-acid batteries, etc.;

whether ordinary dry-cell batteries are considered hazardous waste depends on local regulations; most cities classify them as "other waste").

Light Bulbs: Used fluorescent tubes and energy-saving lamps (contain mercury and must be sealed and stored after damage).

Pharmaceuticals: Expired medications and packaging (e.g., capsules and bottles).

Chemicals: Used paint, pesticides, and cosmetics (e.g., nail polish and hair dye) and their containers.

Other: Used thermometers(containing mercury), used sphygmomanometers, used film, used photo paper, etc

Disposal

Harmless treatment by professional institutions (such as high-temperature incineration, chemical neutralization, and safe landfill) to prevent the leakage of hazardous substances.

Definition: All household waste other than recyclables, kitchen waste, and hazardous waste.

Main Categories

Difficult-to-recycle waste paper: Paper towels, toilet paper, cigarette butts, and heavily contaminated paper

(such as oil-stained newspaper).

Plastic Products: Disposable tableware

(such as takeout containers that are oil-contaminated and cannot be cleaned), plastic bags.

Other: Debris, ceramic fragments, used towels (heavily contaminated), diapers, Band-Aids, etc.

Disposal

Primarily through incineration to generate electricity or sanitary landfill.