Ordos steps up efforts to become 'zero-waste city’

The city of Ordos in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region is accelerating efforts to become a "zero-waste city".

To fulfill its commitment to fight climate change by reducing carbon dioxide emissions, China has introduced an ambitious "zero-waste city" pilot plan. The plan, initiated in 2019, aims to minimize the solid-waste generation and maximize recycling in urban areas.

Ordos was officially approved by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment to become a "zero-waste city" on April 24 this year.

Since zero-waste efforts began in early 2022, Ordos has followed national standards, set construction goals, and taken advice from experts to formulate its official construction plan.

According to the plan, Ordos will integrate "zero-waste city" efforts with urban management and ecological environment treatment, and promote transformation and upgrading of a coal resource-based city.

A series of tasks related to industry, agriculture, construction, and life, among other things, has been set up as part of the implementation plan.

The task list sets 87 indicators in seven aspects, including strengthening comprehensive utilization of solid waste, strengthening the refined management of solid waste, and leading the transformation and upgrading of the industrial economy.

What's more, Ordos will expand zero-waste construction in schools, residential communities, shopping malls, factories, industrial parks and scenic spots. It will also enhance the public's awareness of conservation, environmental protection, and ecology, and advocate a simple, moderate, green and low-carbon lifestyle.