New Taipei Markets Offer Discounts for Reusable Containers

New Taipei City is encouraging residents to reduce plastic waste with a "Bring Your Own Container" campaign at five popular public markets. The "Enjoy Good Deals in New Taipei, Go Market with a Container" event offers shoppers NT$100 in instant discounts when they bring their own or rent reusable containers for purchases. This initiative runs every weekend until October 11.

Beyond the immediate discount, shoppers who share photos of themselves with event promotional materials on social media can enter a lucky draw for a chance to win NT$2,000 in convenience store vouchers. This is the second and third phase of a broader campaign by the New Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau to promote plastic-free shopping.

The city has been working to transform its traditional markets into "plastic-free markets" since May last year, encouraging vendors to stop offering plastic bags and setting up collection boxes for reusable bags. So far, this effort has reduced the use of plastic bags by approximately 1.485 million. The campaign aims to extend the success of previous pop-up events held in old streets and night markets, making it easier for citizens to practice environmental protection while enjoying local food and shopping.