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Solid Waste Disposal

As introduced by the Taiwan Yearbook 2007:

 

The government has used incineration as the prime method for solid waste disposal since 1991, with landfill as an auxiliary method. As of 2006, Taiwan had 22 incinerators (20 public and 2 private), with another 4 under construction. After all 26 incinerators are in operation by the end of 2007, Taiwan will be able to effectively handle all of its household garbage, as well as a good portion of industrial waste. Many of Taiwan's incinerators are of the waste-to-energy type, in which the heat generated from burning trash is converted into electricity and released to the national grid.

With the ultimate goal of eventually achieving "zero waste", the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) plans to reduce waste production by 25 percent by 2007, 40 percent by 2011, and 75 percent by 2020.

Recycling

Since about 40 percent of Taiwan's garbage is recyclable, much effort has been devoted to formulating regulations and programs for waste reduction and recycling. Separation of recyclable materials is mandatory, with pick-ups made at least twice a week throughout Taiwan. The trucks collect over 30 types of waste materials, including paper, containers, lead-acid batteries, fluorescent tubes, used clothes, and small electrical appliances. Large home appliances and furniture are collected by appointment.

In Taipei City, the city government has introduced a "fee-per-bag" policy, whereby residents are required to purchase specially designated garbage bags for garbage disposal. This policy has reduced Taipei's daily domestic waste production by one-third and increased its recyclable garbage collection threefold. A new national policy of waste separation was implemented in 2006, according to which household waste is sorted into three categories -- recyclable, organic, and general. Average daily waste decreased by about 1,100 tons nationwide from January to July 2006 -- almost the equivalent of the daily capacity of an incinerator. Resource and organic waste recycling increased by about 14 percent and 19 percent, respectively.

The Green Mark Program

In August 1992, the EPA launched the Green Mark program to promote recycling, pollution reduction, and resource conservation. Consumers are encouraged to purchase products and services bearing the Green Mark logo, which denotes that the product is low-pollution, resource-efficient, and recyclable. To promote "green" procurement, the EPA mandated in 2002 that all government agencies (including state-owned enterprises and schools) aim to reach an annual green procurement target of 50 percent. This target was raised to 80 percent in 2006.

Industrial Waste Management

Industrial waste is produced primarily by factories, farming activities, hospitals, and businesses. The EPA is working with other responsible agencies, such as the Industrial Development Bureau under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, to raise the percentage of industrial waste that is properly treated. Under the Waste Disposal Act, manufacturers must assume responsibility for their waste or face fines. Those who dump hazardous waste that causes loss of life can be sentenced to life imprisonment. To prevent the illegal and improper dumping of waste, the EPA has initiated a program to track disposal vehicles via the Global Positioning System.

Toxic Chemical Substance Control

Nearly 20,000 chemical substances are regularly used in Taiwan, of which approximately 6,000 are highly toxic. Pursuant to the Toxic Chemical Substance Control Act, the EPA has adopted a toxic chemical classification and quantity-based management system, and released a list of 255 toxic chemicals for which permission for production, import, export, sale, or use must first be obtained. Companies handling toxic chemicals are required to keep records of the amounts of such substances handled and discharged. Responsible agencies may also order companies to periodically submit such records, with late submission leading to heavy fines.