Recycle a plastic bottle and get one NT dollar — Taiwan now has an “automatic recycling machine”

Reported by Reporter You T-Ru / Comprehensive Report

The “automatic recycling machine,” which has been in operation in Europe and America for many years, is now available in Taiwan. To encourage citizens to participate in recycling and to use the EasyCard more for public transportation, the Kaohsiung City Government and Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation have collaborated to set up Taiwan’s first “ARM Automatic Recycling Machine” integrated with the mass rapid transit system, located on the concourse level of Exit 7 at Formosa Boulevard Station. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu stated that valuing environmental protection symbolizes the progress of a city, and the launch of the automatic recycling machine represents a major step forward for Kaohsiung on the path to sustainability, with the hope of increasing the rate of empty bottle recycling.


▲ Taiwan’s first “ARM Automatic Recycling Machine” integrated with the mass rapid transit system is located on the concourse level of Exit 7 at Formosa Boulevard Station. (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Government)

The ARM (Automatic Recycling Machine) is designed to reduce the volume of recyclables to enhance recycling efficiency and has been in operation in Europe, America, and Japan for many years. The Kaohsiung City Government and Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation have jointly installed Taiwan’s first “ARM Automatic Recycling Machine” integrated with the mass rapid transit system at the concourse level of Exit 7 at Formosa Boulevard Station. During the trial period, citizens can recycle iron, aluminum cans, and PET bottles by depositing them into the machine, earning an immediate one NT dollar top-up to their EasyCard for each item.

Chen Chu said that the launch of the automatic recycling machine symbolizes Kaohsiung’s commitment to environmental protection. During the trial period, each card can recycle up to 10 empty bottles or cans per transaction and receive a 10 NT dollar EasyCard top-up. In addition to encouraging environmental action, the initiative also promotes the use of the EasyCard for public transport to reduce air pollution and contribute to a greener environment.

From November 1 to the end of December, the “Ride the Bus Freely, No Need to Worry About the Bus” campaign is being launched. Citizens can enjoy free rides and related discounts on urban buses simply by using the EasyCard, aiming to encourage the use of buses and the MRT, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and noise pollution, improve air quality and the environment in Kaohsiung, increase public transport ridership, and secure continued central government transportation subsidies for the city.

The Environmental Protection Bureau stated that the installation of the “ARM Automatic Recycling Machine” not only provides citizens with a more convenient and innovative way to recycle but also enhances recycling effectiveness in Kaohsiung. In addition, the recycling machine incorporates an EasyCard reward mechanism to encourage the use of public transportation, reduce air pollution, and achieve the dual goals of resource recycling and environmental protection. During the promotion period, it is expected that 50,000 bottles and cans will be recycled.