Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the transformation of waste management in Xiamen, showcasing how the city has turned its waste into a resource through innovative garbage classification and processing methods, aligning with the vision of a harmonious ecological environment [1][31]. Group 1: Waste Management Initiatives - Xiamen has implemented a unique waste management model that integrates garbage classification, significantly reducing the amount of waste that is not recycled [1][31]. - The city started its garbage classification efforts in 2016, becoming one of the first pilot cities in China for this initiative [9][11]. - By 2024, the Jin'an community in Xiamen is set to trade 10,168 tons of carbon reduction from waste classification, marking the first carbon reduction trading project in the country related to waste classification [15][19]. Group 2: Community Engagement and Infrastructure - The number of garbage disposal points in Xiamen has been reduced from 36,000 in 2017 to approximately 5,000, with waste categorized into four main types: other waste, recyclable materials, kitchen waste, and hazardous waste [11][21]. - Community initiatives, such as setting up garbage classification public welfare centers, encourage residents to participate in recycling by offering rewards for recyclable materials [16][20]. - The transformation of waste collection points into clean, multifunctional spaces has improved community engagement and awareness regarding waste management [20][33]. Group 3: Technological Innovations - Xiamen has established the first sorting center for low-value recyclable materials in China, utilizing advanced technologies like near-infrared scanning and AI visual recognition for efficient sorting [23][26]. - The sorting center has achieved an annual processing capacity of 30,000 tons, with a sorting accuracy rate of over 95%, significantly higher than the national average [27][29]. - The city has successfully integrated waste into the circular economy, with a resource utilization rate of around 90% and a recycling rate exceeding 50% [29][31]. Group 4: Environmental Impact and Recognition - The waste management practices in Xiamen have led to a 100% harmless treatment rate for waste, showcasing the city's commitment to environmental sustainability [31]. - Xiamen's innovative waste management model has been recognized globally, being featured as an excellent case at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference [29].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the innovative waste management practices in Xiamen, showcasing how the city transforms waste into valuable resources while promoting environmental awareness among residents [1][4][16]. Waste Management Practices - Xiamen has implemented a unique garbage classification system, reducing the number of waste disposal points from 36,000 to over 4,000, categorizing waste into four main types: other waste, recyclable materials, kitchen waste, and hazardous waste [4][14]. - The city has established smart garbage collection points that enhance the aesthetics of the community while facilitating proper waste disposal [2][5]. Community Engagement - Community initiatives, such as the establishment of recycling public welfare centers, allow residents to exchange recyclable materials for rewards, promoting active participation in waste classification [7][12]. - The local government has successfully raised awareness among residents about the importance of waste classification, leading to improved participation rates across all age groups [5][16]. Technological Integration - Xiamen has developed a low-value recyclable material sorting center, utilizing advanced technologies like near-infrared scanning and AI visual recognition to enhance sorting accuracy, achieving a classification accuracy rate of over 95% [11][14]. - The sorting center has a processing capacity of 30,000 tons per year, significantly contributing to the city's waste management efficiency [13]. Environmental Impact - The city has achieved a resource utilization rate of approximately 90% for municipal waste, with over 50% of waste being recycled [14][16]. - Xiamen's waste management model has been recognized internationally, being featured as an exemplary case at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference [14]. Innovative Recycling - Recycled materials are transformed into new products, such as reusable utensils made from discarded oyster shells and furniture crafted from old tires, demonstrating the potential for waste to be repurposed creatively [16].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the transformation of waste management in China, highlighting the shift from a "garbage siege" to a situation where waste incineration plants are struggling to find enough garbage to process, leading to a competitive environment for waste collection and management [4][10][20]. Group 1: Industry Overview - Ten years ago, the issue of "garbage siege" was prevalent, but now it is widely recognized that there is not enough waste to incinerate in China [4][10]. - China has nearly half of the world's waste incineration plants, with over 1,010 facilities, making it the leader in waste incineration capacity globally [11][20]. - The average load rate of waste incineration plants in China is about 60%, indicating that 40% of capacity is underutilized [9]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Waste incineration plants are resorting to extreme measures to secure waste, including paying kickbacks to property companies for waste collection [6]. - There is a trend of reopening landfills to excavate buried waste, with cities like Guangzhou and others participating in this underground competition [8]. - The number of planned shutdowns for waste incineration plants in 2023 reached 83,467 days, indicating significant operational challenges [9]. Group 3: Historical Context - The turning point for China's waste incineration industry was in 2003 when the government shifted to a model allowing private investment and operation [14]. - Policies promoting waste incineration have been introduced over the years, including increased subsidies for renewable energy projects and stricter pollution control standards [15][16]. - The rapid growth of waste incineration facilities has led to significant advancements in waste management technology and capacity [17][18]. Group 4: Future Opportunities - With domestic waste generation insufficient to meet the operational capacity of incineration plants, companies are looking abroad for opportunities [22]. - Chinese waste incineration companies have successfully established over 50 projects overseas, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East [24]. - Advanced technologies developed in China for waste incineration, such as the FAST process for treating fly ash, are gaining international recognition and application [25].