Taoyuan City to Subsidize Catering and Group Meal Businesses for Commercial Food Waste Machine Purchases

Taoyuan City is leading the nation by launching a subsidy program for commercial food waste machines. Starting July 1, the city's Environmental Protection Bureau will offer financial assistance to local catering and group meal businesses that purchase equipment designed to process at least 100 kilograms of food waste daily.

The initiative is a proactive measure to help businesses adapt to the central government's upcoming ban on using food waste for pig feed, which takes effect on January 1 next year. The subsidy covers up to 50% of the purchase cost, capped at NT$200,000 per machine. This aims to ease the financial burden and operational pressure on large food service providers during their transition.

Beyond compliance, the program promotes a circular economy. The processed food waste can be transformed into organic compost, reducing waste volume and weight, and minimizing transportation costs and environmental impact. The machines utilize technologies like grinding, de-oiling, dehydration, and biological decomposition to manage waste effectively, preventing drain blockages and odors from grease.

Taoyuan City already has sufficient capacity to process household food waste through its anaerobic digestion center. The bureau urges residents to sort their waste correctly, drain excess water, and remove non-food items before disposal. For businesses, the subsidy is expected to foster self-sufficiency in food waste management, reducing reliance on traditional disposal channels and enhancing overall efficiency.

The city also encourages food businesses to reduce waste at the source through precise procurement and optimized meal planning. Public awareness campaigns will promote the concept of mindful consumption, urging people to order and cook only what they need, thereby minimizing food waste from production to consumption.