Climate Cooperation China
On behalf of the International Climate Initiative (IKI)

China continues to enhance its regulatory framework in waste management

In June, an amendment to the Law on Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Waste was submitted to the legislators. When adopted, the measure will oblige local governments to develop and implement waste sorting to ensure more environmentally-friendly waste management. Read more in EN

Shanghai’s new mandatory domestic waste-sorting regulations took into effect on July 1. The regulation, which was voted on and passed by city legislators in January, requires every household and institution to sort their trash into four categories – recyclables, kitchen waste, hazardous waste and residual waste. A fine of 200 yuan (approx. 26,5 EUR) will be imposed on individuals who do not comply. For errant companies, the fine can rise to as high as 50000 yuan (approx. 6670 EUR). Read more in CN

President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of the good habit of waste classification, placing it at the core of the environmental action, and green and sustainable development. President Xi called on expansion of education and awareness-raising activities on the topic. Read more in EN

The MoHURD has announced that additional 21,3 billion yuan (approx. 2,8 million EUR) will be invested in 46 cities piloting waste classification and treatment/disposal system program to build more facilities for environmentally-sound waste treatment. Read more in EN

After the bold move implemented by Shanghai, Beijing is expected to follow the call. Revision of the current regulations is included in the city’s legislation plan for the 2018-20 period and, according to the local authorities, will mean significant changes in city’s waste management mechanism. Read more in EN

More policy news

China issues National Climate Plan for 2026–2030

On 27 July 2026, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) and 18 other national authorities jointly issued the “National Climate Change Plan for the 15th Five-Year Plan Period”. The plan covers the period 2026–2030 and addresses mitigation, adaptation, carbon markets, product carbon footprints and climate governance.

The plan builds on the objectives of the general 15th Five-Year Plan (FYP) for National Economic and Social Development, adopted in March 2026, and of the State Council’s “Action Plan for Carbon Peaking during the 15th Five-Year Plan Period”, issued earlier this month. While the “Action Plan for Carbon Peaking” focuses mainly on energy and sectoral carbon dioxide (CO2) reductions, the new national climate plan also addresses non-CO2 gases, climate risk and the data systems needed to implement climate policy.

Read More »

China sets out how it intends to peak carbon emissions before 2030

On 9 July 2026, the State Council published the “Action Plan for Carbon Peaking during the 15th Five-Year Plan Period (2026–2030)”. The plan translates the climate objectives of the 15th Five-Year Plan, adopted in March 2026, into sector-level measures for energy, industry, transport, buildings and carbon markets. It is the central instrument through which China intends to reach its target of peaking carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions before 2030, and prepare the ground for carbon neutrality before 2060.

Read More »

Contact Us

Email: climatechangechina@giz.de
Address:
Tayuan Diplomatic Office Building (16F) 
14 Liangmahe Nanlu, Chaoyang 
District 100600 Beijing, PR China
Newsletter: IKI China (in “Project and programme newsletters” section)

WeChat:

LinkedIn: