TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — After following Taipei’s lead and implementing a policy where “garbage does not touch the ground” in Pingtung County, some residents now disregard the regulation, creating problems for sanitation crews.
The Pingtung County Environmental Protection Bureau installed remote surveillance cameras at several hot spots to catch citizens leaving garbage bags for sanitation crews to pick up at roadside locations. After one week, 41 fines have been issued, with the highest offense reaching NT$6,000 (US$185), per BCC.
A few cases involved people leaving bags near their homes. According to Pingtung inspector section chief Chou Wei-sheng (周瑋陞), people in Changzhi Township could not wait for garbage trucks, leaving their bags on the roadside or the entrance to residential communities.
Other neighbors followed suit, as copycat behavior caused the community to appear more dirty. "A few people seeking convenience just dumped their garbage on the side of the road at will, seriously affecting the sanitation of the area," said Chou.
The garbage collection situation got so bad in Changzhi Township that the acting township chief walked the streets, reminding residents that garbage should not touch the ground. A warning was also issued that fines would be given to those caught littering.
Of the 41 fines issued, approximately half of the infractions involved pedestrians, while the other half were people riding scooters or motorcycles.