Use of disposable items down in Shanghai

Shanghai has seen a sharp decline in the use of disposable items in the accommodation and food delivery sectors since the city's regulation on waste treatment took effect a month ago.

Most hotels across the city reported a plunge of up to 30 percent in the use of disposal toothbrushes, combs, razors, nail polishers, shoe wipers and loofahs after the regulation prohibited all hotels and lodging houses from providing such items unless guests request them. Violation of the rule may lead to fines ranging from 500 to 5,000 yuan ($73 to $730).

At St. Regis Shanghai Jing'an Hotel, for example, the use of toothbrushes in July plunged 30 percent from the monthly average.