TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of Environment (MOENV, 環境部) announced a significant regulatory change on Tuesday (Dec. 24) aimed at reducing plastic waste in Taiwan's tourism sector. Starting Jan. 1, lodging operators must provide toiletries in large bottles instead of small ones under 180 milliliters.
Environmental Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) said the move aligns with global carbon and plastic reduction efforts, echoing the sustainability goals of the Paris Olympics. He expects the change to eliminate 460 million small packaged items annually, cutting carbon emissions by about 2,500 metric tons.
Resource Circulation Administration (資源循環署) Director General Lai Ying-ying (賴瑩瑩) detailed that the ministry will offer subsidies to encourage operators to reduce their use of plastic bottled water. Businesses meeting reduction targets can apply for a subsidy of NT$30,000 per case.
Lion Travel (雄獅旅行社) Director Huang Hsin-chuan (黃信川) believes the new regulations and subsidies will help businesses transition to more sustainable models, enhancing Taiwan's tourism industry's market competitiveness. Tourism Administration (觀光署) Deputy Director General Lin Hsin-jen (林信任) stated the government will collaborate with various sectors to promote green tourism and integrate environmental concepts into Taiwan's tourism identity.
