China steps up efforts to build zero-waste cities

China plans to expand its waste-free city initiative to around 200 cities during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), as it intensifies efforts to strengthen solid waste management nationwide, the country’s vice minister of ecology and environment said at a policy briefing on Tuesday.

January 14, 2026

China to ramp up solid waste management in green transition push

​China has released an action plan to achieve a notable increase in its solid waste treatment capacity in the next five years, as part of its broader efforts to propel a comprehensive green transition in its economy and society.

January 14, 2026

Ministry pledges to continue solid waste disposal crackdown

China will intensify its three-year nationwide crackdown on illegal solid waste disposal using advanced technologies like satellite remote sensing and drone surveillance, along with public tip-offs, according to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

January 14, 2026

Action plan to turn waste into value

China will intensify efforts to harness market forces and new technologies to boost its circular economy and curb illegal waste disposal as part of a broader push to overhaul solid waste management nationwide, officials said.

January 14, 2026