Leftover TCM herbs defined as 'wet waste'
It’s official. The remains of herbs boiled up for traditional Chinese medicine preparations are wet waste, at least according to city legislators in the latest draft of waste management rules released yesterday.
In this draft, examples are given to make it easier for residents to understand what’s what in their trash cans.
Wet waste is defined as “waste that easily rots” and includes foodstuffs, fruit skins, flowers and TCM waste.
Examples of recyclable waste are paper, plastic and textiles, while harmful waste includes batteries, medicines and paint.
Dry waste is defined as anything other than the above. Some examples given are cigarette butts, plastic bags and soil.
The draft also requires the government to provide online information for those with questions about classification of their waste, while clarifying who is responsible for what.
Government premises, companies and social organizations need containers for all four kinds of waste. If no property management firm is available, the property owner takes responsibility. Residential complexes, likewise.
Elsewhere, the wet and dry divide is enough, with bins in pairs and property managers or residents taking responsibility.
On the streets, trash cans should “recyclable” and “dry,” except where wet waste tends to accumulate. The government or street managers are responsible.
Legislators are working on a final draft to be voted on next month.