New Taipei City subsidizes garbage fees for 127,000 vulnerable residents

New Taipei City is distributing a subsidy for garbage collection fees to approximately 127,000 vulnerable residents. The initiative targets low-income households, low-middle income households, elderly individuals receiving low-middle income support, vulnerable children and adolescents, and those eligible for disability living allowances.

Each eligible recipient will receive a subsidy of 209 New Taiwan dollars for their annual garbage bag expenses. The first phase of distribution, which involved direct bank transfers, saw approximately 126,000 individuals receive the funds on August 15. The New Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau stated that the transfer notes will indicate "Environmental Protection Bureau Subsidy."

The city has been providing these subsidies since 2011, initially through vouchers and later shifting to direct bank transfers in 2023 for greater convenience. This change has increased the subsidy's reach from 72% to 98%. A second phase will accommodate those with incomplete bank information or unsuccessful transfers, allowing them to collect the subsidy in person at designated locations between October and November. The Environmental Protection Bureau also issued a reminder to be wary of potential scams and provided contact numbers for inquiries and reporting suspicious activity.