TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Yilan County officials have ordered a hot spring hotel in Jiaoxi Township to clear over 1,000 plastic bottles from its rooftop, citing safety, sanitation, and legal infractions.

The hotel owner’s mother had been planting vegetables on the rooftop and used plastic bottles filled with water to weigh down fabric that was used to cover the soil, per CNA. Over time, the bottles accumulated into what has been described as a “mountain of plastic bottles,” prompting some residents to report the matter.

The county government said a joint inspection concluded the site breached the Building Act, requiring timely remediation or fines of NT$60,000 (US$1,900) to NT$300,000. The site also contravened the Waste Disposal Act, carrying fines of NT$1,200 to NT$6,000 if not corrected within the deadline.

Officials added that standing water containers were also stacked on the roof, which could breed disease-carrying mosquitoes. They have advised the hotel to rectify the issue and said the site will be a key focus of future inspections.