The State Council issued a plan to promote garbage classification on March 30, setting a goal for the recycling rate in cities where household garbage is sorted to reach 35 percent by 2020.

The first batch of cities that are required to sort garbage by 2020 include Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing and all capitals of provincial regions.

They need to release their own regulations on issues such as standards to categorize garbage, and methods to collect, transport and dispose of garbage, by the end of this year. Toxic, kitchen and recyclable garbage are three categories that the document emphasized.

Different kinds of toxic garbage should be collected in specific dustbins and sites with clear signs, according to the plan.

A recycling network will be set up, including recycling facilities in communities, public institutions and companies, and online information platforms.

Building a transport system, disposal facilities and comprehensive disposal and recycling bases that support garbage classification is also planned.

Charging mechanism for garbage disposal will be upgraded based on the principle of “who pollute, who pays,” as well as related laws and regulations.

Private capital will be encouraged to participate in the whole process by franchising, contracting or leasing.