Chinese companies engaged in the disposal of urban waste could
be fined as much as 100,000 yuan (US$13,160), according to new
regulations on urban garbage disposal issued by the Ministry of
Construction.
The new rules, which will come into effect on July 1, are
designed to force waste disposal companies to show more concern for
the environment.
The maximum fine of 100,000 yuan will be imposed on companies
who fail to monitor the impact of garbage disposal on water, air
and soil on a regular basis and report the results to the local
supervision departments.
Those responsible for the demolition or closure of disposal
facilities without approval from authorities will also liable to
pay the maximum penalty.
Companies engaged in garbage disposal are not allowed to cease
operation without approval from local administrations.
The new regulations said the government would adopt preferential
policies and measures to develop new technologies in waste
disposal.
The Chinese government announced Monday its first national
action plan to address climate change, in which the disposal of
urban garbage was identified as a major area to be addressed to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The action plan said the country would improve the recycling of
urban garbage, for instance, collecting flammable gases when
burying the garbage and developing technologies for the treatment
of garbage, such as incineration.
(Xinhua News Agency June 6, 2007)