By Wang Weijin & Bi Weilan, Research Team on “The Development of Waste Resources Recycling Industry in China”, DRC

Research Report, Special Issue, No.55, 2018 (Total 1622) 2018-12-21

Abstract: The recycling of waste resources is an environmentally-friendly cause that turns waste into valuables. The international experience shows that the Japanese model is characterized by everyone’s participation, the American model is featured by the concept of lifecycle management of waste resources, while South Africa adopts a model in which the non-governmental sectors including the scavengers are encouraged to play an active role. The three countries’ experience has provided the following enlightenments for the development of waste resources recycling industry in China. First, the development of waste resources recycling industry relies on the promotion of clear-stipulated laws, regulations and government plans. Second, although various countries are at different stages of development, they need to pay attention to both short-term and long-term goals. Third, efforts need to focus on the demand of both consumers and producers. Fourth, source segmentation, integration of the non-governmental recycling sectors and adoption of responsibility system for derivative producers are the development trend of the waste resources recycling industry, but we need to formulate and implement policies according to the actual situation of the country’s economic and social development. Fifth, we need to attach importance to the construction of information systems for the recycling of waste resources and provide relevant information for the industry and the general public so as to promote intelligent development of the industry.

Key words: waste resources, recycling, Japan, U.S., South Africa