China’s Hangzhou among UN’s top 20 zero-waste cities globally

Hangzhou, the capital of China’s Zhejiang Province, has been selected as one of the “20 Cities Towards Zero Waste” by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste, recognizing the city’s strong commitment to sustainable waste management and innovative solutions. With a population of over 12.6 million and an annual economic output exceeding 2 trillion yuan (about $286.4 billion), Hangzhou has implemented comprehensive measures for solid waste management and resource utilization, reducing daily per capita waste from 1.06 kg in 2021 to 0.99 kg in 2024. The city has integrated digital technology into waste classification and management, connecting thousands of collection points, transport vehicles, incineration plants, and food waste treatment facilities through a smart waste management platform. Hangzhou’s achievements will be officially highlighted on the International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, during commemorative events in Nairobi and New York, reflecting the city’s long-term efforts to combine digitalization with circular economy practices.

Credit : CGTN