On January 9, 2026, Hangzhou, the vibrant capital of Zhejiang Province in mainland China, earned recognition as one of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste ‘20 Cities Towards Zero Waste’ 🎉. The announcement from the Hangzhou Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau highlights the city’s bold steps in cutting down landfill use and embracing circular approaches.
So, what’s behind the title? The UN board evaluates cities on their waste management systems, recycling rates, and use of smart tech to track trash. Essentially, it’s about keeping materials in use longer—think recycling, reusing, and reducing—so we generate less waste overall.
Hangzhou’s game-changing moves include citywide waste sorting, public compost hubs near West Lake, and an app that rewards residents with discounts on reusable drinks when they scan their own cups. They’ve even piloted plastic-free packaging in local markets, making it easier for everyone to choose eco-friendly options.
Why you should care: these zero-waste tactics can inspire communities across South and Southeast Asia. From carrying your own shopping bag to dropping old gadgets at e-waste centers, small habits add up to big impact 🌍. Got a zero-waste hack? Share it in the comments and let’s learn from each other! ✨
Reference(s):
China's Hangzhou among UN's top 20 zero-waste cities globally
cgtn.com
