Chinese City Seeks to Tighten Rules on Recycling

According to the Shanghai Daily news, the city government is planning on strengthening its supervision and management of the metal recycling industry, as well as dangerous chemicals production and transport and the use of idle workshops to ensure the security of local residents and public property.

A spokeswoman for the Shanghai government noted that the government has released a new set of rules called Shanghai Scrap Metal Recycling Regulations.

According to the spokeswoman illegal scrap recycling businesses had imposed a serious influence on the market and social security. Thieves often steal metal equipment, such as manhole covers, and sell it to illicit metal recycling merchants.

Cable thefts result in blackouts at factories and residential areas and Internet breakdowns. Missing manhole covers along city streets will lead to road accidents and casualties, she said.

"Some thieves even target fire control facilities in residential neighborhoods, which can severely undermine the residents' safety," said the spokeswoman.

The city government expects to enhance the crackdown on metal-made public property theft by implementing more forceful control on scrap metal recycling dealers.

According to the newly issued rules, those who are engaged in scrap metal recycling without a special business permit will face a maximum 30,000 yuan (US$3,704) fine.

The spokeswoman also said the government would practice stricter administration on the production and transport of dangerous chemicals in order to remove any possible hidden perils.