A miniature version of a Suzhou-styled garden on display in Taicang, Jiangsu province [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

There are a lot of things that seem to defy classification in China's new garbage sorting system. Not to worry, Ni Zuyuan, a retired designer in Taicang, Jiangsu province, has found a good use for much of your unwanted decorative supplies, local media reported on Aug 7.

The idea popped into Ni's head just after he retired in 2014 and was busy decorating his new house.

One day, he got bored of the exhausting work and grabbed a piece of timber that someone had thrown away, wondering if his skills had become a little rusty.

Ni had, in fact, retained his magic touch and before long had fashioned a wooden model of a fish boat. This soon became a new hobby for Ni—he would fish through the garbage for anything he could use.

A miniature fish boat made from wood fished out of the garbage by Ni [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"Our country is encouraging a green lifestyle with this new garbage classification system," said Ni, "I believe most of the stuff people throw away still has some value, as long as we're willing to put our mind and hands to work and think outside the box."

Ni Zuyuan, a retired designer, continues to create art in his workshop in Taicang, Jiangsu province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]