Cleaners Search Through Tons of Trash for Lost $140 Watch by Chinese Tourist

A Controversial Incident Involving Sanitation Workers and a Lost Smartwatch

In early July, a situation sparked widespread public debate in northern China when two sanitation workers were tasked with sifting through tons of garbage to recover a lost smartwatch. The incident occurred in Datong City, Shanxi Province, where a tourist mistakenly discarded her child’s smartwatch in a trash bag near their train seat.

The smartwatch, valued at approximately 1,000 yuan (around US$139), was later found to be still within the Datong railway station through its tracking function. According to reports, the tourist, who had traveled with her child, reached out to local authorities for assistance after realizing the device was missing.

A state-run environment company confirmed that the smartwatch had been placed in a large container holding eight tonnes of waste material before being transported to a rubbish transfer station. In response to the request, two sanitation workers were instructed to manually search through the garbage using their bare hands under extremely hot conditions, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.

After more than four hours of searching, the smartwatch was eventually recovered. While the tourist offered the workers a cash reward, they reportedly declined the gesture.

Despite the effort involved, the incident was later highlighted by Datong authorities as an example of the city’s hospitality. However, this move quickly drew sharp criticism from online users, who accused officials of misusing public resources and neglecting the well-being of workers for what many considered to be a relatively small item.

Social media reactions reflected a mix of disbelief and frustration. One user wrote, “I can’t believe they went through so much trouble for something worth only a few hundred yuan.” Another commented, “I thought as a rich and powerful person I would buy a new watch.”

The controversy raised questions about the balance between public service and resource allocation. Critics argued that the decision to involve sanitation workers in such a task was disproportionate and potentially exploitative, especially given the high temperatures and the nature of the item being retrieved.

In response to the backlash, local authorities assured the public that the sanitation workers involved would receive formal recognition for their efforts. This statement aimed to address concerns about the workers’ treatment while also reinforcing the narrative of community service and dedication.

However, the incident has left many questioning the broader implications of such decisions. It highlights the need for clear guidelines on how public resources should be used and emphasizes the importance of protecting the welfare of workers in all tasks, no matter how minor the request may seem.

As discussions continue, the event serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between public service, individual responsibility, and the ethical use of communal resources. It also underscores the role of social media in shaping public opinion and holding authorities accountable for their actions.