The term 湿垃圾 (shī lājī), while seemingly mundane, is a cornerstone of one of the most significant social campaigns in recent Chinese history. On July 1, 2019, Shanghai enacted a strict, mandatory garbage sorting regulation that quickly spread to other major cities. This event, often dubbed the “Garbage Sorting Revolution,” thrust 湿垃圾 and its counterparts into the national spotlight. Initially, the policy caused widespread confusion and anxiety. Citizens were faced with the daily question: “What kind of trash are you?” (你是什么垃圾？ - Nǐ shì shénme lājī?), which became a viral meme used to humorously ask what category an item belonged to. Volunteers, often retired “aunties” (阿姨 - āyí), were stationed at bins to supervise and educate residents, leading to a unique form of community enforcement. Comparison to Western Concepts: While Western countries have long had systems for “compost” or “organics,” the Chinese implementation of 湿垃圾 is distinct. The key difference lies in the speed, scale, and top-down enforcement. What evolved over decades in the West was implemented with formidable speed and social pressure in China. The 湿垃圾 / 干垃圾 (gān lājī - dry waste) distinction is also unique. It's not about literal wetness but about “perishability,” a concept that required a massive public education effort and created its own set of cultural mnemonics (like the popular “Can a pig eat it?” test). This movement reflects China's growing emphasis on 环保 (huánbǎo - environmental protection) and showcases the government's ability to mobilize society towards a collective goal.
湿垃圾 is a term you will encounter daily if living in a major Chinese city.
The most common pitfall for learners (and native speakers alike) is confusing 湿垃圾 (shī lājī) with things that are literally wet.