Village finds winning formula for garbage

Empty nesters pick up trash for points that they can redeem for other items

Waste classification and recycling has been difficult to promote in China, and there are few examples of success. A trial program in a mountain village populated almost entirely by empty nesters, however, is a bright spot.

A "zero pollution" campaign was launched in Jianling village, Fenghua, Zhejiang province in December, and some big changes followed. Now, little trash can be seen - not even a cigarette butt on the ground - although some refuse was spotted at one place along the roadside. The village comprises more than 300 long-term residents, the youngest of whom is 48. The younger generation is absent, having migrated to other places to find work.