Residents in four districts in Shanghai now can call 400-620-9500 for garbage recycling, the first time such a hotline has appeared in China, Labor Daily reported on Monday.

The hotline, run by New Jinhua Rubbish Recycling Center, offers services to residents in districts of Changning, Putuo, Hongkou and Luwan, the report said.

The service includes picking up old appliances such as TVs and washing machines, as well as glass bottles and newspapers.

People can also call 6234-8790 to order the service.

Both hotlines only provide services in Chinese.

Clients can also call 5218-0366 if they have complaints about the service, the report said.

The hotline is expected to expand its network to Yangpu and Xuhui districts in the first half of this year, the report said.

(Shanghai Daily March 3, 2008)