OUR RESEARCH, BY PLACE
The database.
Explore waste and recycling research, one place at a time.
Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China
Our research in Xinjiang began with visits to recycling sites in Dushanzi and an interview with a recycling-station manager. These photographs document local collection points, recycling yards, and disposal facilities to help trace what happens to waste after it is collected.
Featured photographs
Scattered waste and green covering material at a disposal site, with trucks and earth-moving equipment in the distance.
Loose paper and packaging surround large compressed bales in a working recycling yard.
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THE CONVERSATION
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Hong Kong SAR, China
Our Hong Kong photographs explore recycling in everyday urban spaces, from food-waste collection to material-specific recycling stations and bottle-return machines. This collection focuses on how different materials are separated and returned at local collection points.
Featured photographs
A smart food-waste bin combines a digital screen with illustrated instructions for depositing food scraps.
A reverse-vending machine accepts specified PET beverage bottles and aluminum cans, with screen, card, and barcode instructions on the front.
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Newest first · UTC香港总体而言做的还是很不错的，一定程度上是和发达国家的基础管理水平接轨并且有更多可圈可点的地方。希望未来能看到更多信息分享，包括更多的来自内地的案例分享。
As a modern international metropolis, Hong Kong, China has indeed performed commendably in waste recycling and the management of recyclable materials.
Visiting Hong Kong and seeing this level of everyday recycling infrastructure is impressive. Back in my city, we mostly rely on simple colored bins. The bottle-return machines here feel like a seamless blend of utility and modern urban life. It really shows how a densely populated city can use technology to tackle waste management challenges
Seeing the localized recycling infrastructure in Hong Kong is fascinating. The main barrier for residents in high-density urban spaces is often convenience. These bottle-return machines seem highly functional, but their success will depend heavily on how densely they are distributed across MTR stations and housing estates.
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New Jersey, United States
Our New Jersey research follows waste from everyday disposal points to local recycling facilities, including Howell Township Recycling Center. The photographs show separate collection systems for bottles, paper, electronics, and reusable goods.
Featured photographs
At Howell Township Recycling Center, separate containers are labeled for commingled bottles and cans and for mixed paper.
Televisions, monitors, and other electronic equipment are gathered inside a dedicated collection trailer.
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THE CONVERSATION
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Newest first · UTCNew Jersey was one of the early pioneers in mandatory recycling, passing the New Jersey Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act back in 1987, which established a strong statewide culture of recycling. Waste and recycling are largely managed at the county level (e.g., via specialized county utilities authorities), allowing for well-organized local processing facilities, household hazardous waste collection programs, and dedicated recycling centers. The state has historically set aggressive recycling tonnage targets and provides educational resources and grants to municipalities to help improve local compliance.
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Beijing, China
In Beijing, our photographs focus on the neighborhood stage of waste collection, from indoor sorting bins to stored refuse and small collection vehicles. This initial record explores how waste is separated and gathered before onward transport.
Featured photographs
Two bins sit beneath a sorting information panel, with separate openings and labels for recyclables and other waste.
Small collection vehicles and wheeled refuse bins line a neighborhood street, showing the local collection stage of the waste system.
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THE CONVERSATION
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Newest first · UTC去北京旅游过，热门景区的垃圾管理一言难尽，形到了神不似，要把管理落到实际且更为细致的延展还有一个漫长的路程。
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Singapore, Singapore
Our Singapore photographs examine everyday recycling in public spaces and the return of reusable cups and food containers. These collection points let us explore how labels and station design guide people to sort or return materials.
Featured photographs
A blue recycling bin stands beside a green litter bin, offering separate disposal points along the sidewalk.
A return station for reusable cups and food containers sits beside general-waste and recycling bins, with instructions to register, scan, and return.
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THE CONVERSATION
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Newest first · UTCI've been there
The current database classification framework is very clear. If some interactive charts could be added in the future or allow direct visual comparison of recycling rates across different cities, the readability would definitely reach the next level
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Bangkok, Thailand
In Bangkok, our initial photo record looks at two everyday disposal points: a street-side waste bin and a labeled sorting station. These examples help us examine how bin design, signage, and collection conditions shape everyday waste disposal.
Featured photographs
Paired bins use different colors, Thai and English labels, and a recycling symbol to separate recyclables from general waste.
A blue general-waste bin on a sidewalk is filled above its opening, showing conditions at this particular collection point.
THE CONVERSATION
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WHAT WE DOCUMENT
Sorting rules, collection and transport, facilities, processing, policy, public participation, and local challenges. Published findings will include sources and verification dates.
Yoo
一直想去新疆，是因为看了太多有关于新疆美丽的图片，没想到能在这里，能从这么一个最容易被人忽略的角度认识新疆，有点意思。
I am able to extend your research footprint to Xinjiang is truly impressive! I look forward to seeing comparisons of even more cities.