TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan's ban on single-use plastic cups at drink shops went into effect nationwide on Sunday (Sept. 1). 

The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has been promoting a ban on disposable plastic cups in beverage shops since 2022. Kinmen County, the last county to implement this policy, started its ban on Sunday, per CNA.

The MOENV previously announced the ban and the timeline for implementation, similar to the past prohibitions on disposable tableware, authorizing local governments to propose timetables for banning single-use cups. 

Among the cities, Taipei was the first to implement the policy, starting in December 2022. New Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, Keelung, Taoyuan, Tainan, Hsinchu, Hsinchu County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, and Pingtung County implemented the policy last year. 

Lienchiang County, Changhua County, Yilan County, and Nantou County began implementing it on New Year's Day. Chiayi City started in April, while Hualien County, Taitung County, Miaoli County, and Penghu County began in July.

According to 2020 statistics from the MOENV, about 2.2 billion single-use plastic cups were used in Taiwan. With the nationwide ban, it is estimated that 790 million fewer single-use plastic cups will be used annually.

Instead, beverage shops must now provide cups made from plant fibers, offer reusable cup services, and encourage customers to bring their own cups.