As the Lunar New Year approached, the Taoyuan Department of Environmental Protection (TYDEP), in collaboration with various local charitable enterprises such as the Cheng Loong Group, Yuen Foong Yu Group (YFY), and an unnamed enterprise, extended a helping hand by providing vital supplies such as toilet paper, rice, and sausages to 86 underprivileged individual recyclers throughout the city. This compassionate gesture serves as a token of appreciation for their dedication to preserving environmental cleanliness and their tangible efforts in recycling resources. By extending such kindness, the recipients are able to feel the warmth and support of society during the festive Lunar New Year season.
Ms. Hsiao, a resident of Taoyuan District who makes a living through resource recycling, opened up about her life journey. Bereft of parental support from a young age, she has been self-reliant in collecting recyclables since her youth. Her life took a turn when she married her husband, who has disabilities, ushering in a newfound warmth and a feeling of belonging within her family. Presently, she devotes herself to caring for both her husband and son, who also faces disabilities. In 2020, at the suggestion of the local borough chief, Ms. Hsiao enrolled in the Recyclers Care Program (資收關懷計畫), a project launched by the Ministry of Environment and the TYDEP. This initiative offers financial support to underprivileged households by offering them better rates for exchanging recyclable materials than the prevailing market rates. Thanks to this government-backed program, Ms. Hsiao has gained more flexibility to engage in environmental volunteer activities. Through her experiences as a volunteer, she has discovered the joy of helping others and learned the importance of love and care, which she now extends to others.
The TYDEP has announced that in 2023, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, the Recyclers Care Program successfully reintegrated a total of 1,200 metric tons of recyclable materials back into the recycling system. This year, the TYDEP reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Recyclers Care Program in line with the central government's objectives. In addition to promoting subsidized recycling to ensure fair pricing, the TYDEP has introduced initiatives like "Microinsurance Coverage" and the "Recycling Operators Patrol Team" to mitigate economic challenges faced by individual recyclers in case of accidents during collection. Moreover, the TYDEP assists in organizing storage spaces, cleaning and disinfecting home environments, and installing relevant safety equipment such as smoke detectors or fire extinguishers to enhance household hygiene and safety. Through these comprehensive measures, the TYDEP aims to provide holistic care and assistance to individual recyclers in the city, addressing various aspects of their well-being.
TYDEP Director-General Shih-Wei Chen also expressed gratitude to the local enterprises, Cheng Loong Group, YFY Group, and an unnamed enterprise, for their long-term care for the disadvantaged in the community. Thanks to the continuous support and care from these local enterprises, individual recyclers not only contribute to environmental preservation but also experience warmth and compassion, fostering a collaborative effort towards sustainable environmental practices.