Environmental Policy for Waste Management in Taiwan: Regulatory Measures, Implementation Status, and Challenges

Abstract

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Taiwan provides a valuable case study for Asian regions experiencing similar patterns of economic growth, urbanisation, and consumption. Over the past few decades, Taiwan has made substantial progress in addressing its waste management challenges. Through the implementation of comprehensive waste management policies and recycling programmes, the MSW recycling rate increased markedly from 12.7% in 2001 to 58.8% in 2020. Taiwan was also among the early adopters of policies aimed at reducing plastic consumption, including the introduction of charges on single-use plastic bags. Restrictions on plastic bag use at retail establishments contributed to an estimated reduction of approximately 200 million single-use plastic bags annually. Despite this progress, significant challenges remain. Taiwan continues to consume approximately 15 billion single-use plastic bags annually, equivalent to around 3.9 times the consumption in the European Union. Other emerging concerns include the increasing use of paper containers, declining recycling rates for food waste, and persistent difficulties in reducing plastic waste, particularly in traditional markets. These challenges highlight the importance of strengthening both public awareness and environmentally responsible behaviour. Environmental programmes, such as strategically located recycling bins and designated waste collection points, could help reduce the gap between environmental awareness and actual behaviour. In addition, eco-campaigns incorporating economic incentives, such as discounts or rewards for using reusable beverage cups, could encourage more sustainable consumption practices. Together, these measures could further strengthen Taiwan's transition towards a more circular and sustainable MSW management system.