Turning Waste into Treasure
In today’s world of limited resources, transforming waste into valuable resources has become a key challenge for environmental sustainability. In recent years, Taitung County has actively promoted resource recycling and reuse policies, utilizing innovative technology and community participation to convert everyday waste into valuable recycled materials. This embodies the wisdom of waste-to-resource principles.
(Photo credit: Taitung County Government)
Since the trial operation of the Taitung Incineration Plant in January 2023, the Taitung County Environmental Protection Bureau has processed over 100,000 tons of waste and launched a series of innovative initiatives. These initiatives focus on expanding the applications of incineration recycled aggregate, aiming to achieve a vision of a sustainable circular economy.
(Photo credit: Taitung County Government)
The Moai Pen Holder:
A Surprising Transformation
After proper treatment, incineration bottom ash from the Taitung Incineration Plant can be converted into high-quality recycled aggregate, serving as an ideal substitute for natural gravel and sand. On June 11, 2023, the Environmental Education Carnival showcased this innovation by distributing pen holders made from incineration recycled aggregate, molded in the shape of the Moai megaliths of Easter Island, allowing the public to experience firsthand the benefits of waste repurposing.
To further enhance technology and management expertise, the Taitung County Government and the County Council organized a business exchange event on September 26-27, 2023, focusing on incineration bottom ash, recycled aggregate, and fly ash stabilization. The delegation visited related facilities in Pingtung County and Kaohsiung City, gaining insights from advanced waste treatment systems. These exchanges have strengthened Taitung’s understanding of resource recycling and waste management, paving the way for long-term circular economy development in the region.
A Surfer’s Green Dream Workshop
Environmental innovation in Taitung extends beyond government initiatives and into communities and everyday life. One example is Taiwanderful Recycling Co., a social enterprise in Changbin Township, founded by an American surfer and a landscape artist. This workshop is dedicated to marine conservation and resource recycling education, hosting DIY experiences where participants learn to process and upcycle plastic waste into practical items such as coasters, chairs, and tabletops.
(Photo credit: @taiwanderfulrecycling)
(Photo credit: @taiwanderfulrecycling)
Through careful sorting, even a single PET bottle can be fully repurposed—its cap, body, and label serve different functions. Some plastics are even transformed into eco-bricks, durable and weather-resistant building materials that withstand typhoon conditions. This philosophy of “turning waste into treasure” not only adds practical value but also promotes environmental awareness through artistic expression.
(Photo credit: @amouter_hc)
Garbage into Gold
Taitung’s recycled material applications are expanding into the industrial sector, further advancing waste repurposing technology. According to industry reports, Re-use Environmental Co., Ltd. is licensed to process up to 41,200 tons of incineration bottom ash per month, producing high-quality recycled aggregate widely used in road foundations and backfill materials, effectively reducing dependence on natural gravel and sand resources.
Meanwhile, CLEANAWAY Co., Ltd., one of the few companies in Taiwan specializing in fly ash stabilization treatment, provides technical services and actively promotes landfill transformation into green energy bases. Their projects include solar power installations on decommissioned landfill sites and the construction of a five-story-high vegetation-covered wall, redefining the public perception of waste treatment facilities and demonstrating the sustainability of waste-to-energy solutions.
Co-Creating a Greener Future
From government-driven policies to community engagement, and from industrial applications to everyday life, Taitung’s creative use of recycled materials showcases a comprehensive sustainability strategy. These efforts not only address waste management challenges but also create economic value, realizing a true circular economy.
Through continuous innovation and educational outreach, Taitung’s sustainability initiatives serve as an inspiration for others to join the green movement. By working together, we can turn waste into valuable resources, garbage into gold, and forge a more sustainable future for the next generation.
(Photo credit: @amouter_hc)
