Like in many other developing countries, waste scavengers play an essential part in China's recycling industry. In fact, they are called "Kings of waste" in China. However, we all know they don't look as glamorous as their nickname implies. In fact, in the plastics boomtown of Ningbo in China's Zhejiang province, scavengers may be asked to live only in designated areas.

The city is considering a bill aimed to better mange the recycling industry, Modern Jin News reported. One clause suggests local jurisdictions make migrant waste scavengers "live in the same areas when applicable."

The concern is that these migrant scrap collectors set up collection points without permission, which can harm the city's image, as well as causing traffic and community safety problems. And, the truth is, there are so many of them! Ningbo alone has 32,000 people involved in the recycling sector. Ningbo's neighboring city Yuyao is believed to be China's largest distribution center of plastic resin, both virgin and regrind.

I don't think the city government can just order people to live in certain areas. But local communities may voluntarily intervene by limiting real estate rentals. Some already are doing it.

As sketchy as the bill is, it reveals many thought-provoking issues: Which government agencies and departments should be responsible of regulating the recycling industry? What are the practical ways of controlling migrant waste collectors? How can municipalities prevent pollution from recycled materials?

No one has the answers yet. Some cities tried to encourage waste scavengers to pass tests and get certificates, but that did not work out.

Cixi, another city in the industrial province Zhejiang, has recently passed a plan to set up a recycling base with sufficient infrastructure, such as sewage treatment plants. The complex will be 41 acres.

A good start, I say, both the attention and the actions.