Beijing 'facing landfill capacity problems'

High levels of garbage production could cause a landfill crisis in Beijing, it has been predicted.

Speaking to the Beijing Public Service Radio programme, the city's Municipal Administration Commission (MAC) director Chen Yong explained that waste is growing year-on-year by eight per cent.

Data from the MAC also revealed that Beijing generates 18,400 tonnes of garbage each day.

However, only 10,400 tonnes of this can be disposed, meaning its landfill sites are experiencing capacity problems.

"Beijing's garbage crisis will emerge very soon," Mr Yong said.

"[The city] had a crisis in the 1980s when it was surrounded by garbage," he continued. "Judging from the current situation, it will soon have another one."

The official's comments come after Song Jianguo, head of the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau, said 1,500 new cars have joined Beijing roads each day this year, reports Xinhua News.

He expressed his concern that the congestion is causing serious traffic pressure and limiting efforts to improve the city's air quality.