Detailed Overview of the Waste Pollution Prevention Ordinance in Guangdong Province, China - March 2004

Detailed Overview of the Waste Pollution Prevention Ordinance in Guangdong Province, China - March 2004

In Guangdong Province, China, where economic development is progressing rapidly, the "Waste Pollution Prevention Ordinance" was introduced in 2004 to prevent severe environmental pollution caused by waste. This ordinance strictly regulates the handling of electronic and hazardous waste, strengthening waste management throughout the province. Specifically, in urban areas such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou, where waste generation has increased, standards for recycling and disposal have been tightened.

The ordinance prohibits the import of certain hazardous wastes, particularly electronic waste (E-waste), which contains high concentrations of lead and cadmium. These substances pose a significant risk of soil and groundwater contamination if not properly handled. According to the waste management department in Guangdong Province, Shenzhen generates approximately 700,000 tons of electronic waste annually, highlighting the need to improve recycling rates.

In response to the ordinance, domestic and international companies have strengthened their measures to comply with regulations in the region. For example, Foxconn, a global leader in electronics manufacturing and recycling, has established a recycling facility in Guangdong Province that processes 100,000 tons of electronic waste annually. Additionally, French waste management giant SUEZ has partnered with Guangdong Province to introduce waste processing technologies in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, ensuring proper recycling of electronic and plastic waste while reducing environmental impact.

In Shenzhen's electronic waste recycling plant, 50,000 tons of hazardous materials are recovered annually, preventing the release of lead and cadmium into the air and water. Furthermore, Guangzhou has seen its household waste recycling rate rise from 25% to 35% after the implementation of the ordinance, leading to significant environmental improvements. These successes have positioned Guangdong Province as a model for waste management across China, with implications for waste management practices both domestically and internationally.