Taiwan’s waste disposal facilities are poised to take on more environmentally friendly and energy-saving roles, according to the Environmental Protection Administration March 24.
“We are drafting a policy that transforms trash incineration plants into biofuel producers and gives the country’s landfills a new lease of life,” the EPA said.
As part of the proposal, burnt waste from Taiwan’s 26 incineration plants will be converted into biocharcoal and used for power generation.
“The power stations attached to these plants are capable of yielding a total 2,920 megawatts per year,” the EPA said. “This number is expected to soar once the new measures have been put in place.”
The EPA also plans to revitalize the nation’s 298 closed garbage dumps by removing untreated or semi-treated materials for recycling. The freed-up capacity will be used for cleaner refuse, with the sites eventually turned into parks or green belts.
Although the policy is still undergoing internal review, the EPA expects it to receive Cabinet approval by year end.
