No. Burning trash in Taiwan violates the Waste Disposal Act and local environmental ordinances, with enforcement tightening under the 2026 “Zero Waste” policy. Violations risk fines up to NT$300,000 or criminal liability for hazardous waste incineration.
Key Regulations for Burning Trash in Taiwan
- Waste Disposal Act (廢棄物清理法): Prohibits open burning of municipal or industrial waste without permits, enforced by local environmental protection bureaus (環保局).
- Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法): Bans burning materials emitting toxic fumes (e.g., plastics, rubber), with penalties up to NT$600,000 for repeat offenders.
- Local Ordinances: Taipei City and New Taipei City impose additional restrictions, including mandatory waste sorting and fines for non-compliance, effective 2024.
Recent amendments prioritize incineration plant utilization over on-site burning, aligning with the 2026 “Zero Waste” target. Rural areas face stricter scrutiny due to agricultural waste burning risks. Authorities deploy drones and community reporting systems to detect violations.