Legislative Yuan Passes Amendments to the Waste Disposal Act, Strengthening Resource Circulation Management and Safeguarding Environmental Justice

To strengthen Taiwan's waste management system, enhance resource circulation, and curb illegal waste dumping, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) proposed amendments to selected provisions of the Waste Disposal Act. The Legislative Yuan today (June 16) passed the amendments.

Minister of Environment Peng Chi-Ming and Director-General Lai Ying-Ying of the Resource Circulation Administration attended the legislative proceedings to express their appreciation to Legislator Lin Yueh-Chin, Convener of the Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee, and legislators across party lines for their support. The Minister also expressed appreciation for the remarks made by Legislators Lin Shu-Fen and Wang Cheng-Hsu during the legislative deliberations. In addition to complementing the newly enacted Resource Circulation Promotion Act and establishing a stronger legal foundation for Taiwan's circular economy, the amendments comprehensively strengthen the management of emerging waste streams, industrial waste reuse mechanisms, and environmental crime prevention measures, demonstrating the government's determination to advance resource circulation, safeguard environmental justice, and protect Taiwan's land and environment. The Ministry noted that, amid global trends toward net-zero transition and circular economy development, promoting resource circulation must be accompanied by a robust waste management framework capable of preventing environmental risks arising from illegal dumping and improper waste treatment. Guided by the principles of source responsibility, strengthened management, and environmental justice, the amendments enhance institutional mechanisms and incorporate technology-based enforcement measures to improve waste management effectiveness and establish a more comprehensive environmental governance framework.

Expanding the Scope of Responsible Enterprises and Strengthening the Management of Emerging Waste Streams

In response to emerging waste generated by energy transition and industrial development, the amendments expand the scope of regulated recyclable waste management from primarily general waste to include designated categories of industrial waste. The amendments also establish responsible enterprise obligations and fee payment requirements for emerging waste streams, including renewable energy power generation equipment.

Under the revised framework, manufacturers, importers, and installers of renewable energy power generation equipment will jointly assume responsibility for the collection, clearance, and disposal of such waste. The amendments further strengthen the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and establish a comprehensive chain-of-responsibility framework.

Integrating Reuse Governance and Strengthening the Resource Circulation Framework

The amendments consolidate the currently fragmented industrial waste reuse management regulations administered by different ministries and agencies. The central competent authority will establish uniform management standards, including standards for reused product quality, process and equipment specifications, and product verification and accreditation systems.

The amendments also strengthen tracking and operational management mechanisms for reused products. Through uniform management standards, the revised framework will enhance the quality and market credibility of reused products, promote the sound development of the resource circulation industry, and align with the circular economy framework established under the Resource Circulation Promotion Act.

Technology-Based Enforcement and Stronger Penalties to Advance Environmental Justice

To effectively deter illegal dumping, the amendments introduce technology-based enforcement measures, including electronic geofencing systems, surveillance and recording systems, and other technological tools, to strengthen waste tracking and monitoring capabilities.

Illegal waste dumping is punishable by imprisonment for a term of up to seven years and may additionally be fined up to NT$15 million. For offenses committed within ecologically sensitive areas or environmentally sensitive areas for resource utilization publicly announced by the central competent authority, the punishment may be increased by up to one-half. The amendments further strengthen mechanisms for recovering illicit gains and enforcing environmental restoration obligations. To ensure effective environmental restoration, the amendments not only strengthen creditor protection mechanisms but also allow for the earlier initiation of provisional attachment procedures to prevent violators from evading liability through asset transfers. In addition, joint and several liability provisions for obligated persons have been expanded to clearly define the responsibilities of responsible persons of companies, controlling companies, and major shareholders, ensuring that contaminated sites can undergo proper clearance, disposal, and environmental improvement. These measures reinforce the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) and further safeguard environmental justice.

The Ministry emphasized that the passage of the amendments marks an important milestone in Taiwan's waste management framework. Moving forward, MOENV will continue to formulate and revise relevant subordinate legislation and supporting measures. Through collaboration between central and local governments, industry assistance programs, and technology-based enforcement mechanisms, the Ministry will further enhance waste management effectiveness, strengthen the resource circulation framework, and work toward building a sustainable, safe, and resilient Circular Taiwan.

Attachment: Summary and Articles of the Waste Disposal Act Amendments Passed by the Legislative Yuan (This English translation is for reference only. The officially promulgated English version shall prevail.)