A new regulation on boosting the recycling economy, passed by Shenzhen municipal people's congress in March, will be implemented from Saturday.

 

The regulation aims to encourage the recycling of reusable resources by both the public and private sectors and improve the efficiency of resources consumption.

 

Local residents will soon face a surcharge on daily waste treatment, according to the regulation. However, details about the fees are not available now. "A detailed scheme is still under discussion, and the pricing bureau will hold a hearing on it," said a spokesman of Shenzhen municipal people's congress surnamed Chen.

 

The city has charged a sewage treatment fee since 1997.

 

Polluters, and factories with low energy efficiency could be subjected to an overhaul or even closure. New construction projects are obligated to pass an environmental evaluation before starting. Also, some disposable materials and products will be expelled from the local market. The city also proposes to build an “eco-industrial” park for environment-friendly companies.

 

(Shenzhen Daily June 30, 2006)