Wang Yuanyuan

THE local environment watchdog will present a package of incentives to encourage local enterprises to reduce waste.

Enterprises that make the greatest progress in waste reduction will receive rewards totaling 1.6 million yuan (US$ 20,000) this year.

The local environmental protection bureau will offer technological and financial support to help companies improve techniques and facilities to reduce waste production, Guo Yurong, head of the bureau, said yesterday.

Firms that ignored waste-reduction plans and lacked the technology would be monitored by the bureau. Some may be forced to close, Guo said.

The environment watch dog will target heavy-polluting industries such as electroplate and electrical circuit printing plate industries this year.

The measures were part of the Shenzhen Waste-reduction Action that was implemented in 2006 advocating a variety of activities in water and energy saving, waste and consumption reductions for enterprises.

"By 2010, we hope there will be a total of 50 percent of polluting firms joining in the (waste reduction) Action with more than 30 percent of polluting firms able to pass expert checks and win the name of Waste-reduction Advanced Firms,"Vice Mayor Lu Reifeng said.

A total of 64 firms that had forged great achievements in waste-reduction last year were awarded yesterday.