The waste sorting bins at a fruit market in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province extend underground. [Photo/WeChat account: zjgcitynews]

An underground waste sorting station was recently installed at a fruit market in Zhangjiagang, East China’s Jiangsu province.

The station has four bins, one for kitchen waste, one for recyclables, one for hazardous waste, and one for other waste. The bins are placed in an even row and have a notable lack of any disgusting sights or smells. Opening the lids will shock people even more, as no waste can be seen inside.

This is because the bins automatically send all waste underground – out of sight and out of mind. This system helps the streets stay clean and garbage-free.

Underground bins will be raised to ground-level when workers need to clean the waste. [Photo/WeChat account: zjgcitynews]

There are 16 bins located underground at the station, and when the bins are full, the lids will automatically be locked and the operator will be notified to come remove the waste. This is the first such system in Suzhou.

The garbage station also has some other cool features, including the ability to deodorize waste, perform biological tests on waste, and extinguish fires.

It makes use of internet of things and big data technology to improve the efficiency of waste disposal and minimize pollution.

In recent years, the Zhangjiagang government has been beefing up efforts to promote waste sorting and has made admirable progress.

By the end of October, the waste sorting system had been adopted at 510 public organizations, 213 residential areas, 568 hotels and restaurants, 36 agricultural markets, 175 fruit and vegetable supermarkets, and 120 villages in Zhangjiagang. Waste sorting facilities now serve 83.9 percent of the city.