A total of 61 zero-waste city cells have been recognized by authorities in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, local media reported on Nov 13.

Zero-waste city cells are an important part of the construction of a zero-waste city.

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 the waste released into the environment is harmless.

Nandong Art Valley is one of the 61 zero-waste city cells. The scenic area has established eco-friendly public toilets at its four scenic spots that have large volumes of tourists, set up more than 70 dustbins, and employed a full-time garbage collector.

The scenic area is also promoting net-zero carbon emissions and eco-friendly living among tourists.

Moreover, the agricultural entertainment facilities and homestays in Nandong Art Valley have carried out the Clean Your Plate Campaign, encouraging their customers to produce as little waste as possible.

Zhoushan Shulanghu Terminal Co Ltd is another zero-waste city cell in Zhoushan. Located in the largest iron ore and mixed ore transferring base in China, the company has delivered 56 million metric tons of ore and received more than 100 international ships this year.

Shulanghu Terminal has practiced zero-waste principles during its daily operation. It has established eight stations for garbage sorting and disposes pollutants from ships, industrial solid wastes, and hazardous wastes to professional treatment plants.

The company is also replacing gasoline-fueled vehicles with new energy vehicles, which currently accounts for more than 60 percent of the vehicles in Shulanghu terminal.

Zhoushan is expected build itself into a zero-waste city within three years. During this period, more than 300 zero-waste city cells will be created.