Don't burn waste near shelters: Ministry

The Ministry of Environmental Protection has outlined measures for the proper disposal of waste in areas affected by the May 12 earthquake, saying garbage burning in the open must be away from people and their settlements.

The ministry said yesterday in a circular that existing facilities and industrial incinerators should be the first choice when disposing of garbage and open-air burning should be the last option in the quake-hit areas in Sichuan.

However, when garbage is burned in the open, it should be done as far away as possible from drinking water sources, and away from people, houses and relocation centers.