Smart waste sorting powers greener future in Wudang district

english.guiyang.gov.cn|Updated: 2025-06-04

A modern waste sorting center in Wudang district is quietly transforming the way urban waste is handled. The center is recycling waste through intelligent, refined management, offering an innovative solution for sustainable urban development.

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The modern waste sorting center in Wudang district. [Photo/WeChat account of Wudang district]

Upon entering the facility, visitors are greeted by automated sorting lines where mixed waste is systematically separated. Using a combination of manual sorting and magnetic separation, the center accurately extracts recyclables such as metal, plastic, paper, and glass.

Wu Bin, director of operations and safety department at Guiyang Jinghuan Environmental Protection Co, said, "After trucks unload the waste, workers manually remove high-value recyclables like plastic products. Then, magnetic machines separate ferrous materials. Lightweight items such as plastic film and packaging are also sorted before being baled into low-value recyclable materials."

Covering around 16 mu (1 hectare), the center began operations in June 2023. It includes sorting and transfer workshops, temporary storage for recyclables and hazardous waste, deodorizing and fire safety systems, and facilities for production and management. With a daily processing capacity of 500 metric tons, the center primarily handles household waste from Wudang's urban area and surrounding communities.

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A staff member of the center monitors the waste sorting process. [Photo/WeChat account of Wudang district]

According to Zha Jianhong, deputy director of the environmental sanitation management station under Wudang district's comprehensive law enforcement bureau, the center processed over 87,600 tons of waste in 2024, achieving an estimated 10 percent reduction in waste volume. On average, 240 tons of waste are treated daily, with roughly 20 tons of recyclables recovered each day. The operation saves more than 700,000 yuan ($97,491) annually in disposal and transportation costs.