TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Changhua County’s Yuanlin has launched a pilot subsidy program for household food waste machines, after a similar program in Taichung drew strong public interest.

The city office said Wednesday that households can receive subsidies of up to 40% of the purchase price, capped at NT$5,000 (US$158), with about 100 spots available. It said grinder-type machines connected to drains and fridge or freezer-style units are excluded from the program.

The rollout follows Taichung’s food waste machine subsidies, which were introduced after a national ban on feeding household food waste to pigs, per Knews. High demand has led some Taichung residents to urge Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) to expand funding.

Acting Yuanlin Mayor Lai Chih-fu (賴致富) said the city has set aside NT$500,000 to reduce trash volumes and will adjust the program based on results. He said the city hopes more residents will process food waste at home to ease pressure on the waste system, per UDN.

The city office said applications will be accepted from March 2 to March 16 and must include receipts dated after Jan. 1. It added that if applications exceed the budget, recipients will be selected by lottery.

Officials said eligible machines include models that break down food waste using microbes, dry it through heat or airflow, or combine both methods. They said each household may apply for only one machine under the pilot plan.