Hongqiao Airport launches a popular science exhibition, to promote protecting the environment and garbage classification to air travelers. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_01c0f79320c5]

A new waste processing unit at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport recently started operating for trial – implementing the separation of sorting, storage and clearing of garbage in designated areas – with waste disposal efficiency at the airport in East China's Shanghai further improved.

After similar refuse processing units start operating later in the year, it's expected that Terminal 2 at Hongqiao Airport will be able to dispose of some 5 tons of domestic waste daily.

In the wake of the general introduction of new rubbish sorting facilities in Shanghai two years ago, Hongqiao Airport prioritized optimizing its garbage classification and disposals, as a key task in the process of developing an eco-friendly airport.

To streamline its garbage sorting system, Hongqiao Airport has taken multiple measures. An exhibition on popularizing garbage sorting knowledge, co-sponsored by Hongqiao Airport and the Shanghai Resources Utilization and Garbage Classification Management Affairs Center, recently opened in Terminal 2, prompting numerous passengers to stop and have a look.

Running to March 31, 2022, the exhibition aims to spread the concept of environment protection by showcasing Shanghai's and Hongqiao Airport's initiatives in garbage sorting and waste recycling.

Recognizing that passengers from various areas have differing habits, Hongqiao Airport upgraded  100 garbage bins distributed in its public areas, on the basis of in-depth research into passengers and their behavior patterns. The new bins have larger mouths and prominent instructions for refuse classification, to ensure a positive result in garbage sorting.

New trash cans with larger mouths and well-marked signage are placed in the public areas of Hongqiao Airport. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_01c0f79320c5]

In addition to the garbage bins, Hongqiao Airport also added trash cans for used face masks in the public areas.

Moreover, the airport is understood to have also paid close attention to the transfer and re-sorting of the collected garbage.