Shenzhen was one of the first pilot cities for waste sorting programs in China, following a series of standards and adopting diverse approaches to stimulate the citizens' participation. However, the waste sorting problem in Shenzhen remains thorny after more than a decade's efforts. In contrast, Turku, a port city in Finland, has developed a relatively comprehensive waste management system and waste sorting fits in with residents' daily schedule. Synchronized interviews were conducted and the collected data was analyzed and interpreted by the approach of qualitative content analysis. Questionnaire was designed to elicit citizens' general attitudes towards waste management system and preferences of waste sorting and recycling patterns. Results show that a comprehensive waste management system, especially facilities as well as publicity and education of waste management need to be enhanced to help facilitate waste sorting and recycling.