China is experimenting with hi-tech waste containers, partly according to the “trash to cash” principle. In Chongqing, the user identifies himself by facial recognition and thus puts the “wisdom container” into operation, which sorts the waste using AI technology or printed QR codes, e.g. on recyclable plastic bottles. In Shanghai, citizens themselves sort by four color codes for recyclable, hazardous, dry and wet waste. In Nanjing, after facial recognition, users can have recyclables sorted out of their garbage and credited to their cash account according to a points system.

China Times, October 16, 2019