Longhua District is setting the pace in Guangdong Province with a pioneering smart recycling system that’s transforming household waste disposal into a convenient, rewarding part of daily life — and making garbage sorting a new lifestyle trend.

In residential communities across Longhua, it now takes just seconds for residents to scan a QR code, deposit recyclables into an automated bin, and receive instant cashback on their phones. More than 1,400 smart recycling machines have been installed across the district, achieving full coverage of all residential communities.

The system, operating 24/7, now processes over 60 metric tons of recyclables per day, serves about 30,000 residents daily, and delivers over 40,000 yuan (US$5,764) in cash rewards — numbers that continue to grow. Longhua’s model is already being promoted across the city as a replicable blueprint for data-driven urban governance.

Volunteers guide resident on how to use a smart recycling bin, helping make waste sorting easy and accessible in Longhua District. Photos by Bao'an Daily

A public-private model for efficiency

Longhua tackled long-standing challenges in waste management — low recycling efficiency and limited public engagement — by developing a three-tier system (collection point, transfer station, and sorting center) led by private-sector investment under a public-private partnership framework.

Through a zero-cost public tender, the district attracted leading recycling enterprises and provided access to 17 public properties to support infrastructure. The companies are responsible not only for building and maintaining the system, but also for educating residents and collecting low-value recyclables.

This collaboration has significantly reduced public spending while leveraging private-sector expertise to build a long-term, scalable system.

An automated sorting line at a recyclable materials center, part of Longhua District’s fully integrated smart recycling system covering collection, transport, sorting and processing.

Cash incentives drive real impact

To boost participation, Longhua introduced a transparent, real-time incentive system. The smart bins automatically weigh materials and credit users instantly via a mobile app. With no time restrictions and a user-friendly interface, the process has made recycling more accessible and rewarding than ever.

At the same time, Longhua’s “Dandelion Project” has brought waste-sorting education into five local schools and kindergartens through gamified learning stations. The project is designed to influence families and communities through student engagement — cultivating a culture of sustainability from the ground up.

AI-driven, data-powered recycling

The district has also invested heavily in technology to support the system’s efficiency. Using a big-data management platform, the smart bins report when they’re full, triggering dispatches that ensure waste is collected within 60 minutes. Meanwhile, two upgraded sorting centers have expanded their processing capabilities from eight categories to 85, using AI-powered identification and automation. Sorting accuracy now exceeds 95%.

According to the Longhua District Urban Management Bureau, next steps include optimizing bin placement to build a “10-minute drop-off network,” accelerating the construction of zero-emissions automated sorting centers, and enhancing the overall user experience.