(Yicai Global) July 1 -- China will invest CNY21.3 billion (USD3.1 billion) this year to enhance its waste treatment prowess after Shanghai joined other Chinese cities to implement stricter regulation over waste management. 

Some 46 key cities have been equipped with nearly 5,000 garbage trucks and nearly 1,000 vehicles specialized in collecting hazardous waste, the National Business Daily reported, citing the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. 

Shanghai aims to encourage its residents to sort their trash better under the new regulation that took effect today. Those individuals who fail to recycle their trash may be fined up to CNY200 (USD30) and the bill for companies will be up to CNY50,000 (USD7,300). Guangzhou, Beijing and Hangzhou have all tightened their waste management rules in recent years.

Editor: Emmi Laine