The EPA has been working to build diversified channels for food waste treatment. In addition to permitting 694 pig farms to use food waste as pig feed, it has provided over NT$1.3 billion in subsidies to local governments to install food waste shredding, drying, and high-efficiency composting facilities; establish food waste bioenergy plants; enhance the efficiency of existing composting sites; and procure collection and transport vehicles. These measures aim to make food waste treatment more diversified and efficient.

The EPA pointed out that to accommodate the operational needs of the swine industry, it had approved 694 pig farms to use food waste as pig feed, preserving the traditional practice of swill feeding. However, to prevent the transmission of African Swine Fever (ASF) via food waste, the EPA continues its rigorous supervision to ensure pig farms strictly implement high-temperature cooking. According to EPA statistics, 9,279 inspection visits have been conducted since 1 February 2019, when environmental authorities nationwide launched comprehensive inspections to ensure the biosecurity of feeding food waste to pigs.      

In addition, following a recent incident involving a floating dead pig found in New Taipei City, environmental authorities nationwide immediately acted on directives issued by the Central Emergency Operation Center for African Swine Fever. They re-inspected all 694 pig farms authorized to reuse food waste, minimizing the risk of pathogen transmission through the feed pathway.

The EPA reminded restaurants and food enterprises to hand over their food waste exclusively to municipal cleaning squads or licensed reuse operators and pig farms for composting or animal feed. Under no circumstances should food waste be given to unauthorized pig farms or discarded illegally. Violators will face severe penalties pursuant to the Waste Disposal Act.    

Excerpt from Major Environmental Policies, May 2021