Beverage store operators in Taoyuan City will no longer be permitted to provide disposable plastic containers to the public beginning July 1, 2023, in response to international trends and to speed up plastic reduction from the source. On the first day of the new regulation's implementation, 94 stores in each area of Taoyuan were guided and inspected, and they all complied with the requirements.
Disposable plastic cups have caused serious environmental pollution, with an astonishing global production and disposal volume each year. Since these plastic cups are non-biodegradable, if not effectively recycled, they end up in marine and terrestrial environments, posing threats to ecosystems and biodiversity.
Before the implementation of the new regulation, the Department of Environmental Protection communicated with beverage industry operators within its jurisdiction via phone calls and requested their cooperation to switch to other containers or provide rental services for reusable cups. Additionally, they encouraged the public to bring their own reusable cups when purchasing beverages, or to use the reusable cups provided by Taoyuan. In addition, since January of 2023, in accordance with Environmental Protection Administration policies, chain convenience stores and fast-food restaurants have begun offering reusable cup rental services, with 241 stores in Taoyuan joining the ranks of reusable cup users.
Businesses were reminded by the Department of Environmental Protection to closely comply with the guideline prohibiting the use of disposable drinking containers. In addition to the regulation prohibiting beverage operators from providing disposable plastic cups beginning July 1 this year (2023), chain beverage shops should prominently display the phrase "Bring Your Own Cup and Save NT$_" in their storefronts, with a price difference of at least NT$5 or more, to encourage the public to develop the habit of bringing their own cups.
The director of the Department of Environmental Protection Shih-Wei Chen, stated that they will continue to promote and undertake guidance and inspections after the new regulation goes into effect. In addition, they urge the public to practice source reduction and adopt the habit of renting or bringing their own reusable cups. We can collectively reduce plastic usage and contribute to environmental protection if we take action.