China will invest an estimated RMB 800 billion in the industry of solid waste disposal under the 12th five-year plan, which will last from 2011 to 2015, doubling its goal for the current five-year plan, according to the country's Ministry of Environmental Protection.

The ministry predicted that China's total investment in environmental protection will hit RMB 3.1 trillion under the 12th five-year plan.

In recent years, the country's annual garbage output grew 8% to 10%.

China currently charges fees for garbage collection and disposal in 26 pilot cities, 54% of which charge between RMB 5 and RMB 8 per household per month. Fees exceed RMB 8 in only four cities.

In the next ten years, China's annual volume of garbage for incineration is predicted to increase from the current 2% to 3% to between 10% and 20%, and the central government will provide preferential policies for waste-to-energy projects.

Reportedly, one such project recently began construction in Sungeng Town, Jiyang County, Ji'nan, Shandong Province. The project, which will cover an area of 7.99 hectares, will cost RMB 941.35 million, RMB 57.6 million of which will be provided by the local government.