Sorting garbage sounds like a no-brainer, but reality has proven otherwise.

Shanghai is a testament to that, with questions flooding social media — and even traditional media — about in which bins different types of trash go. There's been frustration, complaints and confusion. But on the positive side, Chinese netizens, now nearly 800 million in total, are best equipped to learn and spread knowledge and awareness on trash sorting.

The situation brings Japan's experience to mind. It took about 30 years for the country to get where it is today in terms of trash sorting and management. The starting points were local communities and schools, with children as young as 7 learning how to properly separate trash.

In the age of Industry 4.0, China is more privileged and empowered by technology to accelerate behavior change at household and individual levels.

But challenges do face China's endeavor. Among the hurdles is its e-commerce packaging. Digital technology is helping many in the country shop and order food without stepping outside, but this conveniences comes with a high price — environmental damage. One survey has found that packaging waste accounts for nearly 85 percent of urban solid waste — and much of it is in the form of plastic If not well managed, such refuse can potentially pose severe environmental and public health risks.

China is advancing ecological civilization, and waste sorting is a prerequisite skill for any civilized individual. After all, the way a country's citizens and government tackle its waste output says a lot about their level of civility.

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