Monitoring data shows that the reward mechanism has been welcomed by residents, and people have liked participating in this activity, according to Wu Bingxin, the inventor of the intelligent recycling platform.

More than 300 households have participated in the program so far, and the number of points amassed throughout the three communities has surpassed 1.5 million, Wu said, adding authorities will explore more ways to redeem the credit, which could attract more people to take part.

Although China has carried out waste classification for more than 10 years, it has not been widely accepted across the country. This new incentives mechanism has real potential to raise environmental awareness and initiative.

"Rubbish disposal is not only a duty of environmental departments or government, it also needs residents' support and participation," Sun said.

In Beijing, two communities, Lvjingxinyuan and Lvjingyuan, were chosen as trial communities to carry out a similar reward scheme from June. Every 50 points can redeem a coupon worth 10 yuan.

Retirees, parents, white-collar workers, as well as children in Lvjingxinyuan and Lvjingyuan have participated in the activity.

The new mechanism is expected to be adopted in other parts of the country if it is well received.