TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Environment said on Thursday the government has allocated NT$1.2 billion (US$36.42 million) to tackle the issue of unmanaged waste.
The ministry aims to resolve improper waste disposal by next year. The budget is expected to include landfill improvements, a digital management system, and waste reduction initiatives, per CNA.
The ministry will prioritize the improvement of seven landfills in water source protection areas. These sites include Taitung’s Donghe, Hsinchu’s Zhudong, Tainan’s Nanhua, and Chiayi’s Dapu.
The ministry held a press conference Thursday to discuss unmanaged waste disposal. Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啟明) and representatives from 11 regional environmental protection agencies attended.
Peng emphasized that waste reduction and sorting are the most effective methods. He said local governments will intensify checks on garbage bags to ensure proper waste disposal.
The ministry said incinerators across Taiwan are set to process up to 6.5 million tonnes of waste this year. The ministry will upgrade existing facilities, aiming for a processing capacity of seven million tonnes by 2027.
Environment Deputy Minister Shen Chih-hsiu (沈志修) said Yunlin lacks an incinerator. He said the local government worked with the Formosa Petrochemical Sixth Naphtha Cracking Plant to convert waste into solid recovered fuel.
Peng added Taiwan's unmanaged waste reached 745,000 tonnes last year. Hsinchu accounted for 213,000 tons, Pingtung for 135,000 tonnes, and Nantou for 124,000 tonnes.