Taiwan Cracks Down on Illegal Waste Operations: 11 Indicted

Massive Illegal Waste Ring Exposed in Taoyuan, Facing Severe Penalties

Taoyuan, Taiwan – In a significant victory for environmental protection, eleven individuals have been indicted in Taoyuan for their alleged involvement in an illegal waste collection, storage, and processing operation. The indictment, announced recently, details the unauthorized activities which supported the illegal export of waste, highlighting the scale of the environmental crime.

The investigation, which led to the indictments, was initiated based on a tip-off from the Northern Center of Environmental Management, a division of the Environmental Management Administration under Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment (MoENV). Prosecutors believe the illegal activities began in March 2023.

On February 7, 2025, investigative authorities conducted searches, uncovering approximately 5,549 metric tons of plastic waste stored across three plants in Xinwu and Zhongli districts. MoENV officials confirmed these findings at a press conference held at one of the factories in Xinwu.

Authorities discovered that a staggering 5,832 metric tons of waste had already been shipped overseas. Furthermore, NT$394.79 million (US$12.17 million) in suspected illegal gains were confiscated during the operation.

The Taoyuan City Department of Environmental Protection will fine six companies involved in the unlicensed waste operations up to NT$10 million each, according to Deputy Environment Minister Shen Chih-hsiu (沈志修), who spoke at the press conference.

The eleven individuals now face charges including operating landfills and illegally storing, processing, and disposing of waste. These offenses carry a potential prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of NT$15 million, confirmed Shen.

Deputy Justice Minister Hsu Hsi-hsiang (徐錫祥) emphasized the ongoing collaboration between the MoENV, prosecutors, and the police, a partnership established in 2011 to combat violations of environmental protection laws. This alliance utilizes advanced technology and specialized units to tackle environmental crimes effectively.

Over the past 14 years, this alliance has made significant strides in seizing illegal gains and assessing the restoration of illegal waste sites. This has influenced decisions regarding suspended sentences, Hsu stated.