Taipei: The Legislative Yuan has passed amendments to the Waste Disposal Act, introducing stricter penalties for illegal disposal of industrial waste and harsher punishments for dumping in environmentally sensitive areas. The move aims to enhance waste management and environmental protection measures in the region.
According to Focus Taiwan, the amendments include provisions for electronic-fencing monitoring, allowing authorities to utilize surveillance systems and technological tools to monitor areas at risk of illegal waste dumping. This is expected to improve tracking of waste flows and prevent environmental pollution. The revised law also classifies waste from end-of-life renewable-energy power generation equipment as recyclable waste, requiring operators to submit a recycling plan to the central competent authority within a specified deadline.
The amendments increase the maximum prison term for illegal dumping of industrial waste from five to seven years, with potential sentence extensions for dumping in environmentally sensitive areas. Additionally, penalties for failing to properly remove general waste have been raised significantly, with maximum fines increased from NT$6,000 to NT$100,000. Repeat offenses will incur further fines, and new penalties ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$300,000 have been introduced for violations such as failing to report, improper labeling, and obstructing inspections.
Authorities are now permitted to apply for provisional seizure earlier in illegal dumping cases, and company directors and major shareholders will be held jointly liable. The amendments prioritize government claims for cleanup and emergency response costs over other debts, allowing authorities to collect these costs within a decade.
Following the passage of the amendments, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) stated that the purpose is to strengthen waste management through improved oversight and technology-based enforcement, including the use of electronic-fencing and surveillance systems. The ministry emphasized ongoing efforts to refine regulations and collaborate with local governments and industry stakeholders to enhance waste management.
The amendments will take effect after a two-year grace period, following promulgation by President Lai Ching-te, due to the significant changes in the waste management system and its operations.