TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taichung City has cut toxic emissions at its crematories after spending more than NT$230 million (US$7.3 million) to replace old equipment.

The Taichung City Government said Monday the city handles about 25,000 cremations a year, making it the nation’s second busiest system. It said demand is rising, requiring upgrades to both capacity and environmental controls.

Civil Affairs Bureau Director Wu Shih-wei (吳世瑋) said the city replaced 12 cremators and upgraded 11 air pollution control systems. He said the changes help prevent black smoke and keep operations stable.

The city said testing showed dioxin emissions at the Tung Hai crematory dropped by about 95% after the upgrades. At the Dajia crematory, emissions fell by about 70%, well below the legal limit.

The city also rolled out an AI smoke monitoring system in November to track chimney output in real time. If something appears abnormal, staff receive alerts and can respond immediately.

The Civil Affairs Bureau said the city will continue modernizing funeral facilities while conducting regular checks and spot tests with the city’s Environmental Protection Bureau. It said the goal is to meet public needs while keeping nearby communities’ air clean.