Kaohsiung Mayor: Recycling Machine Works Like a 'Slot Machine' for Rewards

In a move to bolster environmental efforts, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai has championed the use of innovative recycling technology, likening a new automated resource recycling machine (ARM) to a 'slot machine' for its engaging reward system. This initiative, showcased during an Earth Day environmental event, aims to make recycling more accessible and appealing to the public.

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The automated resource recycling machine (ARM) is like a slot machine.

The ARM system operates on a simple yet effective principle: citizens who deposit five plastic bottles into the machine receive a NT$1 credit on their EasyCard, a popular stored-value transit card. Mayor Chen highlighted the ease of participation, stating that environmental action can be as simple as a gesture. This gamified approach seeks to transform recycling from a chore into an engaging activity, encouraging greater participation from residents.

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As long as you put in 5 plastic bottles, you can get a 1 dollar top-up on your EasyCard.

Kaohsiung has already established 190 of these ARMs across its 27 administrative districts. The city estimates that these machines collectively recycle over 4 million plastic bottles annually. This significant deployment underscores the city's commitment to tackling environmental challenges, particularly those related to plastic waste and climate change, which Mayor Chen noted increase societal costs and expenditures.

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There are currently 190 units installed in 27 administrative districts in Kaohsiung City, and they can recycle more than 4 million plastic bottles every year.

Beyond the ARMs, Kaohsiung's Environmental Protection Bureau has also introduced 12 reusable bag circulation boxes in seven pilot markets and night markets. This initiative encourages consumers to shift from passively reducing plastic bag use to actively bringing their own. The program aims to reduce the annual usage of approximately 1.91 million plastic bags, achieving a reduction rate of 14%. These combined efforts reflect Kaohsiung's proactive strategy in promoting a circular economy and fostering a culture of sustainability among its citizens, demonstrating that environmental responsibility can be integrated seamlessly into daily life.

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There is only one Earth. The challenges brought by climate change and extreme weather will increase social costs and various expenses. Reducing plastic from daily life and protecting the environment is very important.