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].