The State Council decided to promote a pilot program for cities without waste, according to a circular issued on Jan 21.

Cities without waste means an urban development model that is aimed at minimizing landfills and the environmental impact of solid waste by promoting green development modes and lifestyles, reducing solid waste from the source and transforming them into resources.

A total of 10 cities with necessary conditions and moderate scale will be selected nationwide to carry out the pilot program.

According to the circular, by 2020, an index system, an integrated management system and a technical system for construction of cities without waste should be established, and significant progress should be made in key areas in the pilot cities.

The circular emphasized macro guidance by the government while implementing green production in industrial and agricultural sectors.

It also advocated a green lifestyle to reduce household waste at the source and transform them into resources.

Comprehensive safety control of hazardous waste should be strengthened, it said, adding that new models of industrial development should be cultivated to energize market players.

Financial support and supervision of the pilot program should be enhanced, the circular stated.