This afternoon (June 2), the municipal government held a press conference. The Deputy Secretary-General of the Municipal Government and Director of the Municipal Office for the Promotion of Domestic Waste Classification and Reduction introduced the “Three-Year Action Plan for Improving Quality and Efficiency of Domestic Waste Classification in Shanghai (2026-2028)” (hereinafter referred to as the “Action Plan”). Relevant officials attended the press conference and answered questions from reporters.

Since the implementation of the “Shanghai Domestic Waste Management Regulations” in 2019, with the joint efforts of all citizens and active participation from all sectors of society, Shanghai’s domestic waste classification work has achieved remarkable results: residents’ classification habits have become a consensus, the full-process classification system has been basically established, the resource utilization rate has continuously improved, and the “new trend” of waste classification has taken root in people’s hearts. To further consolidate achievements, solve problems, and promote green and low-carbon transformation and development, in accordance with the work deployment of the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government, Shanghai has studied and formulated the “Three-Year Action Plan for Improving Quality and Efficiency of Domestic Waste Classification in Shanghai (2026-2028)” (hereinafter referred to as the “Action Plan”), aiming to use three years to implement a series of policy measures to push Shanghai’s domestic waste classification work to a new level.

I. Background and Main Considerations

The introduction of the “Action Plan” is mainly based on three considerations: First, focus on enhancing residents’ willingness to classify, consolidating and improving classification effectiveness. Address weak property management communities and weak links in classification through “bottom lifting,” improve the normalization mechanism of law enforcement and legal education, optimize the evaluation system, adhere to long-term and normal operation, and maintain the basic situation of dry and wet waste classification. Second, focus on improving the recycling system and filling gaps and weaknesses. Further improve the recycling level of low-value recyclables, optimize the large waste removal and disposal model, and build a wide-coverage, innovation-encouraging, and efficient full-process traceable recycling system based on public convenience and a sense of gain. Third, focus on strengthening publicity and mobilization, deepening co-construction and co-governance. Strengthen the coordination role of the “Joint Conference on Promoting Domestic Waste Classification and Reduction,” enhance the effectiveness of grassroots governance, strengthen social publicity, mobilization, and science education, leverage the guiding role of volunteers, and promote the shift of waste classification from concentrated efforts to long-term improvement.

Based on the above background, the “Action Plan” adheres to problem-oriented, goal-oriented, and effect-oriented approaches, highlighting the theme of “improving quality and efficiency,” and strives to achieve new breakthroughs in classification effectiveness, recycling system, co-construction and co-governance, and management mechanisms.

II. Core Content

The “Action Plan” focuses on main goals and has formulated four quantitative indicators and 18 key tasks.

First, clarify main goals. By 2028, the city’s full-process domestic waste classification system will be more complete, the proportion of wet waste separation will reach over 35%, the purity of wet waste separation will reach about 95%, the recycling rate of domestic waste will exceed 48%, and the proportion of low-value recyclables in total recyclables will reach over 25%.

Second, promote source reduction. Strengthen the reduction of disposable plastic products in key areas, implement control over disposable items in the tourism and accommodation industry, deepen the governance of food waste, and continue to carry out the “Clean Plate Campaign.” Optimize green packaging design for goods, strengthen supervision of excessive packaging, promote the green transformation of express packaging and procurement of recycled materials, and achieve a 14% proportion of recyclable packaging used for intra-city express delivery.

Third, improve classification effectiveness. Promote friendly renovation of old waste disposal points, standardize the setup of temporary disposal facilities, and improve the maintenance mechanism. Establish a classification effectiveness warning and improvement mechanism, improve the flexible disposal system in residential areas, and promote refined classification in public places. Deepen innovation in waste removal models and technologies, optimize collection and transportation routes. Achieve near-zero landfill of fly ash from domestic waste incineration.

Fourth, improve the recycling system. Consolidate the foundation for guaranteeing the recycling of low-value recyclables, improve the comprehensive recycling model, establish behavioral incentive mechanisms, and explore carbon inclusion incentives. Develop operational standards for recycling enterprises and strengthen standardized management. Strengthen the municipal-level recyclable service platform, build a full-chain closed-loop management system, and achieve full-process traceability of transaction behaviors. Develop operational standards for recycling enterprises and strengthen standardized management. Establish a large waste removal and disposal system combining “charging and free” and

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Shanghai

Shanghai is a major global financial hub and one of China’s largest cities, located on the eastern coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Its history as a trading port dates back to the 19th century, when it was opened to foreign trade after the Treaty of Nanking, leading to a unique blend of Eastern and Western architecture and culture. Today, Shanghai is known for its modern skyline, historic Bund waterfront, and vibrant cultural scene.

Municipal Government

The term “Municipal Government” refers to the local administrative body that governs a city, town, or other municipality. Historically, municipal governments have evolved from ancient city-states and medieval charters, gaining powers to manage local services like sanitation, policing, and infrastructure. Today, they serve as the closest level of government to citizens, handling everyday community needs and local regulations.

Municipal Office for the Promotion of Domestic Waste Classification and Reduction

The Municipal Office for the Promotion of Domestic Waste Classification and Reduction is a government agency in many Chinese cities, established to oversee and encourage proper waste sorting and reduction efforts among residents. Its creation reflects China’s broader environmental policies, particularly the 2017 national plan to implement mandatory waste classification in major cities, aiming to improve recycling rates and reduce landfill use. The office organizes public education campaigns, monitors compliance, and coordinates with local communities to foster sustainable waste management practices.

Municipal Party Committee

The “Municipal Party Committee” refers to the local leadership body of the Communist Party in a Chinese city, responsible for guiding policy and governance. Its headquarters often serve as a key administrative and political center, reflecting the city’s modern development. Historically, these committees were established after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, evolving from earlier revolutionary structures to manage urban affairs.

Clean Plate Campaign

The Clean Plate Campaign is a social initiative in China aimed at reducing food waste by encouraging people to finish their meals and order only what they can eat. Launched in 2013 by Chinese authorities, the campaign gained renewed momentum in 2020 with government-backed efforts, including media promotions and restaurant guidelines. It reflects a cultural shift toward frugality and sustainability, rooted in traditional Chinese values of cherishing resources.