Where Can I Find a Trash Can?
I know most of us have trouble finding a trash can on the streets of Taipei; outside the cities may be even worst.
Here is a short piece on where you can find a trash can on the go and how to dispose residential wastes.
Most foreigners may mistaken our papier-mâché incinerator as a trash can; here is a picture of the papier-mâché incinerator.
So next time you see it on the street you will know what it is. It is not a trash can.
How we use it is an other topic for an other day.
Most of the trash cans in Taiwan come in pairs with one for trash and one for recyclable items. They are clearly labeled in both Mandarin and English. Different cities have different designs, but they would be labeled.
If you can not find one, go to the nearest metro station, library, or any public spaces you should be able to find one. The nearest chain stores such as the 7-11 might help you with disposing it if you ask nicely.
Residential Wastes
If you are a new resident in Taiwan, first, welcome to Taiwan.
Second, the trash cans on the streets are not for household wastes. Household wastes are scheduled to be collected at a certain time and spot. You should check with your neighbors on when and where the team would come. Most likely you would hear the song of an ice-cream truck playing when the cleaning squad approaches the designated spot.
Here are a few useful links:
Regulations on disposing residential wastes
1) Left-overs are not trash they should be kept in another container.
2) Different cities may have different designated garbage bags they can be purchased at supermarkets and convenience stores.
3) Plastic bottles, glasses, tin cans, and papers are recyclable they should be sorted accordingly.
4) Any sharp items should be securely warped and clearly labeled before disposing, if causing harm to others would face charges.
5) Furniture are to be collected via appointment. Owners should contact local cleaning squad to schedule the appointment.
Mini Language Class
Garbage truck:
垃圾車 (Mandarin: lè-sè-chē) [Taiwanese: pùn-sò-tshia]
Garbage bag:
垃圾袋 (Mandarin: lè-sè-dài) [Taiwanese: pùn-sò-lok-á]