The fixed location to throw sorted waste in Shanghai. Photo: IC

One of China's largest online food delivery platforms has added a new service which might be called "takeaway in reverse." 

For 12 yuan ($1.7) Shanghai residents can call a delivery person to come to their homes and take away their garbage.

Shanghai will start implementing tough new waste-disposal regulations in July. Individuals who violate the requirements can be fined up to 200 yuan, while companies and organizations can face fines up to 50,000 yuan.

Part of the problem for home recyclers in China is that their carefully sorted trash is often picked up by a garbage truck that collects all types of garbage at once, defeating the purpose of sorting. 

The trash takeaway service requires residents to sort their own garbage before it is picked up by personnel from the takeaway service Eleme, who will ensure the waste is disposed of in the correct garbage bins. 

Many netizens on Sina Weibo didn't support the service, asking, "Do these collectors wash their hands after taking out the trash and before delivering food?"  An online article containing a series of photos posted by Knews didn't mention if the same Eleme workers do both types of "takeaway."

Global Times