TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Ministry of Environment on Wednesday convened experts and representatives from central and local governments to discuss disaster waste management, with a particular focus on preventing and responding to fires at landfill sites, per UDN.
The meeting coincided with the release of new waste management guidelines, which emphasize waste reduction at source and improved classification and disposal methods. Officials said climate change has increased the risk of fires at landfills and elsewhere.
Minister without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng (季連成) said that Taiwan’s Disaster Prevention and Relief Act, which has been in force for about 20 years, should be updated. Proposed amendments include establishing a dedicated disaster response mechanism at the central government level, as well as at the county and city levels.
He said the move would professionalize disaster response capabilities, covering disaster preparedness, emergency rescue operations, and post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. Chi cited last year’s Mataian barrier dam collapse as an example of the need to improve disaster relief and waste management.
Disaster response efforts often generate large amounts of waste. Chi added that some of this waste has proven to be dangerous and flammable, increasing the risk to first responders and placing firefighters in dangerous situations.
Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) said the Wushulin landfill in Tainan burned for several days. He attributed this to the wide variety of waste materials, including hazardous items.
Peng highlighted lithium batteries as a growing concern. While they were once mostly found in mobile phones, they are now commonly used in products such as e-cigarettes, headphones, smartwatches, and power banks. He said lithium batteries should not be disposed of as general waste.
Peng warned that waste-related fires and disasters are likely to increase in the future. To address the issue, the ministry’s new guidelines call for stronger source control, improved classification of waste at temporary storage sites, and enhanced monitoring of disposal facilities.
