The first two purpose-built container vessels to transport Shanghai’s household waste will be put to use by 1 October, according Shanghai Maritime Safety Authorities. One is a 360 dwt vessel carrying 16 teu and the other 500 dwt carrying 24 teu. By the end of 2010, a fleet of 35 vessels will have been formed to transport the entire city’s household waste. These vessels, which will ply the city’s network of rivers and creeks, will replace trucks in transporting the waste to a municipal landfill site. The special containers are made watertight to prevent contamination of the water.

Officials predict that during Shanghai Expo 2010 between May and October, daily household waste in Shanghai will exceed 8,000 tons.