As most people are wearing masks to protect themselves against the spread of COVID-19, mask littering has also occurred in many different cities and counties. Hence, the EPA is reminding the public that surgical masks fall under the category of general waste and should be properly discarded in regular garbage which is then handed over to garbage trucks. The EPA has raised the minimum fine for mask littering from NT$1,200 to NT$3,600 with a maximum fine of NT$6,000 for repeat offenses.

The EPA has advised the local environmental bureaus to disseminate this information in public places that commonly see discarded masks (such as near entrances and exits of hospitals, MRT stations, train stations, HSR stations, and bus stations). The EPA has also urged the management personnel of public premises to set up mask collecting bins on the premises. A total of 428 mask collecting bins had been set up on public premises by the end of March 2020.

Excerpt from Environmental Policy Monthly, 23 (4)