Zhoushan in East China's Zhejiang province aims to become a zero-waste city by the end of 2022. [Photo/WeChat account: zjzsqdxq]

Zhoushan in East China's Zhejiang province aims to become a zero-waste city by the end of 2022, according to a work plan recently released by the municipal government.

The work plan specifies that by 2022, no resources will be wasted, no hazardous waste will be generated, no solid waste will be dumped, no waste water will be directly discharged into rivers, and all exhaust gas will be odour-free.

Becoming a zero-waste city involves six processes, including control of industrial solid waste, classified disposal of household garbage, resource utilization of construction waste, recycling agricultural waste, closed-loop management of medical waste, and improvement of marine pollution prevention and control.

"Better preventing and controlling marine pollution is front and center in Zhoushan's zero-waste city construction plan," said a senior official from Zhoushan municipal bureau of ecological environment.

He added that Zhoushan will promote the reception, transfer, and disposal of pollutants from ships at ports and reduce the production of waste from fish farming.

A zero waste city refers to an advanced urban development and management model that aims to promote green lifestyle, minimize the amount of waste produced, strengthen recycling programs, and ensure that waste released into the environment is harmless.