Taiwan Strengthens Waste Management and Resource Circulation through Amendments to the Waste Disposal Act
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan has passed amendments to the Waste Disposal Act, reinforcing the nation’s waste management framework and aligning it with the newly enacted Resource Circulation Promotion Act. The amendments strengthen resource circulation by expanding the scope of regulated recyclable waste to include selected industrial and emerging waste streams, such as renewable energy equipment, while fully implementing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle. The revised legislation also centralizes the management of industrial waste reuse under a unified regulatory framework, establishing consistent standards for product quality, certification, and traceability to promote a more efficient and reliable circular economy.
The amendments also introduce stronger measures to combat illegal dumping and safeguard environmental justice through technology-enabled enforcement, including electronic fencing and video surveillance systems. Penalties for illegal waste disposal have been significantly increased, with offenders facing up to seven years of imprisonment and fines of up to NT$15 million, alongside stricter environmental restoration obligations based on the polluter pays principle. By combining stronger regulatory oversight, advanced monitoring technologies, and enhanced resource circulation policies, Taiwan aims to improve waste management efficiency, foster sustainable industrial development, and build a more resilient circular economy in support of its long-term environmental and net-zero objectives.
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