The term 干垃圾 exploded into the mainstream consciousness of urban China, particularly after Shanghai implemented its strict “Municipal Waste Management Regulations” on July 1, 2019. Before this, recycling was encouraged but rarely enforced with such rigor. The new policy made sorting trash into four categories—Dry (干), Wet (湿), Recyclable (可回收), and Hazardous (有害)—mandatory for all residents and businesses, with significant fines for non-compliance. This policy created a massive social phenomenon. The question, “你是什么垃圾?” (Nǐ shì shénme lājī? - What kind of trash are you?), became a viral meme, humorously capturing the public's initial confusion and anxiety. Volunteers, often stern “neighborhood committee aunties” (居委会阿姨, jūwěihuì āyí), would stand by the bins to inspect people's bags, creating a unique form of social pressure. Comparison to Western Recycling: In many Western countries, recycling focuses on separating materials like paper, glass, and plastic from general waste. The Shanghai model, which is being rolled out to other Chinese cities, places a much stronger initial emphasis on separating organic waste (湿垃圾, shī lājī) from everything else. 干垃圾 is what remains. This approach prioritizes diverting food scraps from landfills to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a different primary focus than simply recovering recyclable materials. This term, therefore, represents a major government-led push toward “ecological civilization” (生态文明, shēngtài wénmíng) and a more disciplined, top-down approach to environmentalism.
干垃圾 is a highly practical and frequently used term in daily conversation in cities with mandatory sorting.
The term itself is neutral, but the act of sorting it can evoke feelings of confusion, diligence, or even frustration. It's a common topic of small talk.