New Taipei City to clear "sky garbage mountain" in Xinzhuang; residents drink dirty water

New Taipei City authorities have intervened to address a significant accumulation of trash, dubbed a "sky garbage mountain," in an apartment building in Xinzhuang district. The issue involves a resident, an elderly retired civil servant, who has been collecting and piling up various recyclables, including bicycles, appliances, and scrap metal, in the stairwell and on the rooftop. This practice has been ongoing for six years, intensifying after his wife's passing.

The situation has caused considerable distress and safety concerns for other residents in the building. They complain that a damaged water tank, located on the roof and completely blocked by the debris, has been unrepaired for years, forcing them to drink dirty water. Local officials, along with community leaders and representatives, conducted an on-site assessment on June 17. Despite warnings that the practice could lead to fines of up to NT$100,000 and potential property foreclosure, the elderly resident appears unfazed.

Community leaders have previously attempted cleanups, with one effort involving over 80 volunteers and taking 10 hours to clear several truckloads of waste. However, the sheer volume and the resident's persistent behavior have made subsequent efforts difficult. The district office plans to complete the cleanup within a month, but concerns remain that the resident might revert to his old habits. Obtaining consent from all building residents is a necessary step before cleaning the common areas, as the apartment and rooftop are private property. Authorities hope to assign personnel to guide the resident in improving his behavior after the cleanup.