Taiwan: Farmers must apply for permission to fill farmland with construction waste

Farmers in Chiayi County, Taiwan, face new regulations regarding the use of construction waste for filling their land. Under the updated rules, any filling of agricultural land must use soil suitable for farming and crop cultivation. Direct backfilling with construction surplus soil without proper application will now lead to penalties.

The Ministry of the Interior's Land Administration Agency is implementing a comprehensive tracking mechanism for construction byproducts, monitoring them from generation through to final disposal. Starting in 2026, electronic manifests will require the inclusion of information about the competent authority and approval numbers related to the land's intended use.

The Chiayi County Government's Agriculture Department has revised its "Notes on Filling Agricultural Land in Chiayi County." This revision aligns with the central government's new policy for the full-flow control of construction surplus soil, effective from 2026. Applications involving the disposal of such materials will require review and approval from agricultural units.

According to the Agriculture Department, filling agricultural land is governed by specific regulations. If the purpose is genuinely for agricultural use, the soil is suitable for growing crops, and it does not damage the agricultural environment, then a formal application might not be necessary. However, using construction surplus soil or other unsuitable materials without authorization risks violating regulations. Farmers are urged to be aware of these rules to protect their rights and avoid legal repercussions.