How to Throw Garbage in Taiwan: A Guide to Collection and Recycling

(FWA 2026/8/10)Figuring out how to throw garbage in Taiwan is an essential daily skill for expats. Unlike many countries, Taiwan does not use stationary public dumpsters; instead, it relies on a highly efficient scheduled collection system. This guide explains how to properly dispose of your household waste, covering Greater Taipei’s designated trash bag rules, bulky item removal, and how to recycle 3C electronics at convenience stores.

I. Daily Household Waste: Schedules and Strict Sorting

Taiwan enforces strict environmental regulations. Residents must coordinate with the garbage trucks’ schedules and routes to dispose of daily waste.

• Public Bins are NOT for Household Waste: The small public bins found on sidewalks or at MRT stations are for pedestrian litter only. Dumping household trash in or around these bins is strictly prohibited and carries hefty fines.

• Catching the Garbage Truck: When you hear the tune of Für Elise or A Maiden’s Prayer, the yellow garbage truck is arriving. Download the “Taiwan Garbage Truck” (台灣垃圾車) app or check your local Environmental Protection Bureau’s website for exact routes and times.

  • Further Reading: How to Check Garbage Truck Schedule? A Simple Guide – Taipei City – FWA外籍勞工通訊社

  • Further Reading: Taoyuan Garbage Truck Schedule & Disposal Guide: How to Check the Route? – FWA外籍勞工通訊社

• Three Main Categories:

  • General Waste: Non-recyclable items (e.g., dirty tissues, diapers). Throw these directly into the yellow garbage truck.

  • Recyclables: Sort paper, plastic, glass, and metal separately. Hand them to the recycling collection crew according to your local schedule. If using a plastic bag, Taipei City requires a transparent or semi-transparent bag so the contents can be identified.

  • Food Waste: Drain excess liquid and empty the waste directly into the dedicated bins attached to the back of the garbage truck. You do not need to separate raw and cooked food waste. However, hard items—such as large animal bones, clam shells, durian spikes, and coconut shells—are not accepted and must go into general waste.

    • Further Reading: Taiwan food waste classification: Separate trash to prevent African Swine Fever and avoid heavy fines! – FWA外籍勞工通訊社

    • Further Reading:How to Dispose of Old Clothes? A Practical Guide to Used Clothing Recycling in Taiwan – FWA外籍勞工通訊社

• Greater Taipei’s Designated Bags: If you live in Taipei City or New Taipei City, using regular plastic bags for general waste is strictly prohibited. You must buy official designated trash bags at convenience stores or supermarkets (light blue for Taipei; pink or newer white dual-purpose reusable bags for New Taipei). Recyclables and food waste do not require these special bags.

  • Further Reading: A Quick Guide to Garbage Bags in Taipei – FWA外籍勞工通訊社

II. Bulky Waste Disposal: Free Removal by Appointment

Never dump large items like furniture or appliances on the street or into regular garbage trucks.

1. Large Furniture (e.g., mattresses, sofas, cabinets)

Residents get free bulky waste collection, but you must book in advance:

1. Book: Call the 1999 Citizen Hotline or use your local Environmental Protection Bureau’s website to schedule a pickup date and drop-off spot with the cleaning squad.

2. Place: Put the items at the agreed location at the time specified by your local cleaning squad. (For example, in Taipei City, many districts ask residents to place bulky waste out after 9:00 PM for next-day collection). Placing them out early will result in a fine.

2. Waste Appliances (TVs, refrigerators, washers, ACs)

These appliances contain chemicals like refrigerants and must not be dismantled.

• Buying New: By law, retailers must offer free removal of your old appliance (same item, quantity, and address) and issue a recycling certificate upon delivery of the new one. (While the paper manifest system is scheduled to be phased out starting January 1, 2027, your legal right to free recycling removal remains completely intact).

• Disposal Only: If you aren’t buying a replacement, book a pickup with your local cleaning squad using the process above, or call the toll-free recycling hotline (0800-085-717).

III. 3C Devices and Batteries: Convenience Store Recycling

You can drop off unused phones, laptops, and dry batteries at major convenience stores like 7-ELEVEN and FamilyMart to protect the environment and earn in-store shopping credits.

Convenience Store Recycling Comparison Table

Shopping Credit Restrictions

These recycling credits must be used in a single transaction at the time of drop-off. They cannot be exchanged for cash, no change is given, and you cannot use them to pay utility bills (water, electricity, parking) or to purchase tobacco and alcohol.