Taiwan Cracks Down on Improper Kitchen Waste Disposal Amidst Pig Farming Ban

Authorities in Taiwan's Taichung City to Inspect Kitchen Waste Bags to Prevent Contamination and Ensure Proper Recycling.

Following the nationwide ban on using kitchen waste for pig farming, businesses in Taichung, Taiwan, including department stores and restaurants, have reported difficulties with waste collection services. Some establishments are facing challenges as waste disposal companies are reluctant to accept kitchen waste, leading to accumulation issues. One department store reportedly had its kitchen waste rejected because it was not properly drained, exacerbating the problem.

Taichung's Environmental Protection Bureau has clarified that household kitchen waste recycling methods will continue under the existing classification system. Currently, cooked kitchen waste is being sent to designated landfill sites for composting, ensuring a stable and manageable disposal process. To address the issue of kitchen waste being improperly disposed of as general garbage after being drained, the Bureau announced it will enhance its inspection procedures, including opening waste bags to verify compliance.

Concerns have been raised by local representatives, with Taichung City Councilor Jiang Zhao-guo highlighting that he has received numerous calls from department stores, hypermarkets, restaurants, and eateries. These businesses are reporting that waste collection companies are no longer willing to pick up their kitchen waste, leaving them with nowhere to dispose of it.