On February 18, 2025, a topic labeled “Street in Guangzhou Requires Sanitation Workers Under 35 Years Old” sparked heated discussions on the Chinese social media platform Weibo.
On February 12, the Baiyun District Government of Guangzhou issued a recruitment notice for sanitation workers, stating that applicants must be 35 years old or younger. Those holding a driver’s license may be considered up to the age of 40, attracting attention.
According to a report by Hubei Radio and Television’s “Jing Shi Live” on February 18, a journalist contacted the staff of the New Market Street Office in the Baiyun District under the identity of a job seeker. The staff confirmed that the recruitment information was genuine and explained that the age requirement was mainly based on the needs for the positions available.
The recruitment positions include drivers, street cleaners, and movers. The staff mentioned that sanitation workers typically work 8-hour shifts with overtime pay for any hours beyond that. They also noted that the positions have not been filled yet. When asked if setting the age limit for sanitation worker recruitment at under 35 was too young, the staff emphasized not to judge the industry based on age and mentioned that older individuals often choose sanitation work.
On the same day, reporters from Da Wan News also contacted the New Market Street Office. The response from the staff was that the recruitment criteria were determined by the unit’s labor needs and were not for civil servants or public institutions. When asked about the educational background section on the application form, the staff explained that it was necessary for the unit to gather information about the applicants.
This incident quickly drew attention on the internet.
Netizens questioned, “Is it for real? Last time, I saw a supermarket recruiting only those under 35 and thought it was a publicity stunt. I never expected sanitation workers also have an age limit of 35.” “Retirement age is pushed to 65, while job requirements request under 35. How are we supposed to live in those 30 years in between?” “What jobs are suitable for individuals over 35 in the country? Are we supposed to start receiving retirement benefits at 35?”
“After 35, it’s only retirement; practically no job opportunities are given.” “Look, even street cleaning jobs in the country don’t want individuals over 35.” “It’s extremely difficult for those over 35 to re-enter the workforce; now even sanitation jobs have age restrictions.” “So, once you’re older, not even street cleaning is an option; this is just… “Why is even this type of job now involved with age limits? Are older individuals not allowed to clean the streets?”
“Why not just have experts suggest getting rid of anyone over 35, as they seem not interested in letting people live?” “Got it, from now on, live until 35 only.” “So, in the future, if you become unemployed after 35, you can quietly become a ‘useless’ person.”