Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province in the Chinese mainland, has earned international recognition as one of the United Nations' '20 Cities Towards Zero Waste' for 2026. The announcement, made by the UN Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Zero Waste, highlights the city's pioneering efforts in sustainable urban development and waste management innovation.
Local authorities attribute this achievement to Hangzhou's city-wide waste sorting program, which has achieved a 92% participation rate among residents since its 2023 launch. The system combines AI-powered recycling stations with a 'green points' reward mechanism, significantly reducing landfill dependency. 'This recognition reflects our commitment to building an ecological civilization,' stated a representative from the Hangzhou Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau.
The designation positions Hangzhou alongside cities like Singapore and Stockholm as global models for circular economy practices. Analysts note this development aligns with China's broader environmental goals, including its 2060 carbon neutrality pledge. For investors, the city's green tech sector—valued at $18.7 billion in 2025—presents new opportunities in smart waste solutions and renewable energy infrastructure.
