Currently, recycling trucks in various counties and cities collect three main types of plastic waste: plastic containers that should be recycled as announced by the Environmental Protection Administration, "miscellaneous plastics" mainly consisting of hard plastics, and clean plastic bags. Some plastics, due to their high heat value and content of chlorine and heavy metals, can shorten the lifespan of incinerators and produce air pollutants like dioxins if incinerated.
In 2016, Taiwan's incinerators processed 6.6 million tons of waste, including 16% plastics. Incinerators typically operate at 2,200-2,500 kcal/kg, but plastics have a heat value of 4,000-5,000 kcal/kg. This high heat value reduces processing capacity and causes corrosion. Chlorine-containing plastics produce toxic dioxins and corrosive hydrochloric acid gas when burned, leading to more frequent shutdowns for repairs. These shutdowns increase air pollution, as emissions are much higher during start-ups and shutdowns than during normal operation.
It is believed the most environmentally friendly approach is to reduce plastic use. Recycling and reuse come second. If material recycling lacks efficiency, at least the use of chlorinated plastics and chlorinated inks should be prohibited, and the addition of heavy metals and other harmful substances should be reduced. This would allow these non-recyclable plastic wastes to be safely thermally decomposed into oil products or fuel gas, or used as alternative fuel in industrial furnaces, which is at least more energy-efficient than incineration.
Taiwan has established a strategy to promote plastic resource circulation. This strategy includes phasing out unnecessary plastics, encouraging alternative approaches, incentivizing reuse and innovative business models, as well as effective collection and processing. It also promotes recycling and regeneration, aiming to reduce resource consumption and maximize the utilization of material value.
1. Phasing out and substitution:
Promote green production and regulations
Restrict PVC food packaging
Reduce retail and online shopping packaging
Encourage sustainable and renewable materials
2. Source reduction:
Implement plastic restriction policies
Promote reusable items
Provide incentives for eco-friendly practices
3. Enhanced recycling:
Improve collection and processing
Develop industry-linked recycling models
Expand recyclable item categories
Improve sorting technology
4. Circular regeneration:
Stimulate domestic recycled plastic market
Establish guidelines for recycled plastic products
Implement eco-labeling and recycling fee rate
Promote energy recovery for hard-to-recycle plastics
These strategies aim to reduce plastic waste, increase recycling, and promote a circular economy in Taiwan.
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