Environmental Management Administration

In recent years, extreme weather has become increasingly frequent. Typhoons and heavy rains not only disrupt transportation and daily life but also generate large volumes of post-disaster waste in a short time, creating environmental and sanitation risks and adding pressure on local governments. To help affected areas recover quickly, reduce inconvenience, and lower disease risk, the administration has established a comprehensive post-disaster waste response mechanism covering pre-disaster preparation, emergency response, and post-disaster cleanup to accelerate recovery.

Before disasters strike, the administration launches a coordination platform with local governments to deploy personnel, equipment, and transfer station sites in advance while estimating potential waste volumes in affected areas for faster post-disaster action.

After disasters occur, teams are dispatched to assist local governments in clearing garbage and sludge from streets, residential zones, and markets. A “segregation and classification” strategy is implemented to sort combustible, non-combustible, and hazardous waste for proper incineration, landfill, or recycling, preventing secondary pollution.

Emergency repair mechanisms are activated to restore waste transfer stations and wastewater treatment facilities as soon as possible. In coastal areas, debris washed ashore by typhoons is inspected and removed to maintain environmental cleanliness and safety.

The first 48 hours after a disaster are crucial for environmental recovery. Citizens can follow these principles to assist with cleanup:

• 1. Prioritize perishable waste

  Separate perishable and odorous kitchen waste from other garbage for priority collection by environmental protection units to reduce odors and mosquito breeding.

• 2. Place large waste properly

  Non-perishable bulky waste such as furniture and appliances should be placed at designated temporary sites according to environmental protection units to avoid obstructing rescue operations or traffic.

• 3. Centralize efficient and transportation

  Environmental protection units will gather residential and market waste with small equipment at temporary transfer points first. Short-distance transfers occur during the day and long-distance transport at night to avoid peak hours and accelerate street restoration.

• 4. Sanitation and disinfect

  Disinfection will be conducted during waste transport. Residents should also clean yards and drainage ditches to prevent mosquito breeding.

Through central-local collaboration, post-disaster waste management efficiency can be significantly improved. The administration continues to integrate real-time monitoring, reporting, and progress tracking to refine response and recovery strategies. AI prediction technologies are being introduced to anticipate risks in advance, ensuring that each recovery effort is faster, steadier and safer.