Shenzhen parks introduce benches made from recycled food waste

Public parks in Shenzhen, China, including Lotus Hill, Bijiashan, and Xiangmi, have introduced a new series of uniquely designed benches made from recycled single-use food containers and drink cups.

The benches are manufactured by processing discarded plastic packaging, such as meal boxes and milk tea cups, through collection, shredding, and recycling. One specific model, part of the Meituan Qingshan Project, utilizes recycled PP plastic combined with a metal frame and was constructed from 825 recycled containers.

Local residents have noted that the recycled material remains comfortable to sit on even during high summer temperatures, unlike traditional stone or wood seating. The initiative aims to demonstrate the practical utility of waste sorting and recycling efforts within urban public spaces.