The biggest garbage burning plant that produces electricity on the Chinese mainland has gone into operation in Shanghai, marking a huge progress in harmlessly handling domestic waste.

Located in the western suburb of Shanghai, the plant covers 13 ha and is capable of handling 1,000 tons of domestic waste per day during the initial stage of operation.

Local environmental officials said the plant produces about 200 to 250 kwh of electricity when burning one ton of domestic waste, and the waste gas the plant releases is able to meet the smoke discharge requirements set by the central government.

The electric power produced is sufficient to maintain the operation of the plant with 80 million kwh in surplus for outside users.

The plant is able to service one third of Shanghai, and its daily handling capacity will be raised to 1,500 tons after the second stage of the project is completed. The plant cost 240 million yuan (US$29 million).

Local officials said Shanghai produces about 10,000 tons of domestic garbage per day, 70 percent of which used to be dumped inland fills, which waste a lot of land resources and are environmentally less desirable.

Shanghai plans to invest 8.4 billion yuan (about US$1 billion) in garbage disposal facilities during the five years ending in 2005.

(Xinhua News Agency November 23, 2003)