TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei's Department of Environmental Protection (環保局) announced Tuesday (July 22) a sweeping ban on free disposable tableware across 298 government facilities, schools, and municipal venues. The policy takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, targeting Taiwan's growing plastic waste problem while encouraging residents to embrace reusable utensils.
The comprehensive "Taipei City Regulations on the Sale of Disposable Tableware" (台北市販售餐飲不得免費提供一次性餐具之公私場所、品項及收費標準) prohibits government agencies, schools, and city-operated venues from offering free disposable containers, bowls, chopsticks, or spoons. Food vendors at these locations must charge at least NT$1 (around US$0.03) per disposable item during a transition period ending Dec. 31. The Department of Environmental Protection designed this buffer period to help businesses and consumers adjust to the new requirements.
Enforcement begins Jan. 1, 2026, with department inspectors conducting compliance checks and imposing fines ranging from NT$3,000 to NT$10,000 (around US$102 to US$341) for violations. The initiative seeks to cultivate public habits around bringing personal eco-friendly tableware to reduce environmental waste. Simultaneously, the department banned Tuesday (July 22) the provision of disposable amenities including combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, razors, shaving foam, and shower caps at Taipei's tourist hotels and inns, granting establishments until Dec. 31 to comply. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$29.35)
