It is difficult to decompose plastic waste, particularly single-use plastic products such as plastic beverage cups and plastic disposable tableware, which often enter the soil, rivers, and oceans to threaten the survival of wildlife. As microplastics will further enter the food chain to harm the ecosystems of animals and plants and human health, the “reduction at the source” policy is currently the most important target of waste disposal. This policy aims at reducing the dependency on plastic materials from product design and production to consumption; encouraging the use of reusable containers, tableware, and packages; and promoting the circular economy. Apart from reducing the volume of waste, it also lowers the cost of waste disposal and promotes green society transformation to achieve the goal of sustainable development.
In view of the serious waste disposal problem in the county, we need the total collaboration of all citizens to achieve waste reduction at the source. In accordance with the Parties Subject to and Means for Disposable Tableware Use Restrictions amended and implemented on 29 June 2023, and the Parties Subject to and Means for Single-Use Beverage Cup Use Restrictions implemented on 1 September 2024, no plastic disposable tableware shall be used for dining in and takeaway for restaurant chains or eating and drinking establishments with storefronts. These restrictions also apply to beverage shop chains or beverage shops (vendors), except for orders sold in the form of products. When the continuing use of single-use beverage cups or tableware is found, owners will be fined from NT$1,200 to NT$6,000 in accordance with Article 51, paragraph 3, Waste Disposal Act. Do not break the law!
Director-General Yi-Shu Li of the Nantou County Environmental Protection Bureau is urging shop owners to comply with the above-mentioned regulations to avoid facing penalties under the law. Additionally, citizens can practice waste reduction at the source in the daily life by using reusable tableware, straws, vacuum cups, and reusable shopping bags to contribute to waste reduction for Nantou.