To improve the effectiveness of resource recycling and implement waste reduction at the source, the Environmental Protection Bureau, Nantou County Government continues to carry out “garbage bag-opening inspections” across the county. Random checks are conducted on general waste bags disposed of by residents. The Bureau calls on the public to develop good habits by properly sorting general waste, recyclable materials, and kitchen waste, working together to build a clean and sustainable Nantou.

    Statistics show that the three most common types of recyclable items mistakenly thrown into general waste bags are paper containers (such as beverage cups and paper tableware), plastic containers (such as PET bottles and plastic food containers), and aluminum foil packs. If these materials are not properly recycled, they can greatly increase the burden on incinerators, shorten landfill lifespans, and lead to significant waste of reusable resources.

    Director-general Yi-shu Li of the Environmental Protection Bureau stated, “Every citizen plays a vital role in protecting Nantou’s beautiful mountains and rivers. Proper waste sorting is essential to maintaining the county’s environmental quality. The purpose of bag-opening inspections is to ensure the recycling system functions effectively and to encourage the public to adopt the correct practices of ‘rinsing before recycling and sorting thoroughly.’”

    Before disposing of household waste, residents are reminded to correctly separate recyclable items and rinse them lightly to prevent odors. Failure to sort waste according to regulations or illegal dumping may result in fines ranging from NT$1,200 to NT$6,000. The Environmental Protection Bureau, Nantou County Government, urges all citizens to take an extra minute before throwing away garbage to double-check for proper sorting. By doing so, resources can be continuously recycled, leaving a cleaner and better Nantou for future generations.