Greenpeace Taiwan held a press conference on Thursday, urging the Cabinet to implement a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling system to address the issues caused by Taiwan's extensive landfills.
Greenpeace Taiwan’s Plastic Reduction Project Director Chang Kai-ting (張凱婷) says there are currently up to 100 landfills across the country, causing significant distress to nearby residents. She conveyed concerns from Taiwan Clean Water Action Union Director Peng Guei-zhi (彭桂枝), who stated that the Zhudong landfill is a major pollution source often contaminating the region's drinking water after heavy rainfall.
Chang called on Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) to allocate funds for waste reduction initiatives and invited him to visit the landfills to witness the urgency of the situation firsthand.
In response, Environmental Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啟明) addressed the issue in a Facebook post on the same day. He acknowledged that tackling the waste problem is complex, requiring central and local government coordination.
Peng outlined several strategies, including waste reduction measures and the use of AI platforms to monitor waste quantities. He emphasized the government's commitment to resolving the waste issue, noting that while the solution will take time, waste management efforts must begin at the source. He urged all citizens to contribute to waste reduction and environmental protection.