By Darcy Bender, 1/25/2016. While observing the waste management of Guangzhou I was most surprised by how similar it is to the American system. In Guangzhou, residents and businesses place their waste into bins on the curb. From what I can tell waste is separated into recyclables, kitchen waste (compostable) and all other waste. Then, garbage trucks come by and collect the waste in the bins.
Nearly all of the street corners have the same public waste bins with one for recyclables and one for non-recyclable waste. Sometimes in parks and privately owned areas the bins look different, but for the most part I have seen the same set of bins throughout the city.
I also came across a few pickers looking for valuable materials in the waste that was set out very similar to the pickers in New York who look for bottles and cans to take to redemption centers.
Despite all the similarities to the system in New York, the Guangzhou system seemed to be much more complex and varied in many ways. First of all, they have many more employees that work at many more scales. For example, besides the large trucks used for curbside collection, the Guangzhou City Cleaning department also has scooters and bikes that are able to haul waste. Additionally, there are employees out sweeping the streets at all hours to collect litter and other debris on the sidewalks and streets of Guangzhou.
Beyond the official waste management system, I also noticed people scavenging for materials other than just bottles and cans. Cardboard seemed to be a particularly hot commodity as well as woven plastic feed bags and wood. Indeed, many Chinese residents have assured me that all valuable materials are removed before being sent to landfill or incinerator.
I think that New York City could learn from the waste management of Guangzhou. Right now DSNY only collects garbage in large, energy inefficient trucks by a limited staff. Why not have collection of the public bins be done by staff in electric scooters at least in the most populated areas? In certain Business Improvement Districts, private staff are hired to pick up litter and help keep the streets clean, but I think this task could be added to DSNY’s duties so that it happens throughout the city and not just in the neighborhoods that can afford it. Also, it would be a great way to create good jobs in New York.
