Marine Park Authority Launches Mobile Garbage Trucks to Tackle Environmental Issues on Penghu's South Four Islands

(CNA, Penghu County, May 21) To solve the garbage problem on Dongji Island of the South Four Islands, the Ministry of the Interior's Marine National Park Headquarters has started using "mobile garbage trucks" today to replace public fixed trash cans. The service will collect household waste and food scraps on a fixed schedule and route, implementing a "leave-no-trace garbage" policy to restore a clean environment to the island. The Marine National Park Headquarters issued a press release stating that the Penghu South Four Islands National Park, with its unique basalt geology and rich marine ecology, has become a popular ecotourism destination in recent years. However, the increase in tourists and the difficulty of clearing waste from the remote islands have led to fixed trash cans in public areas often becoming sources of pollution due to improper disposal or strong sea winds, with trash scattering or being rummaged through by wildlife. This has seriously affected the national park's scenery and the quality of life for local residents. To fundamentally solve this environmental pain point, the headquarters engaged in multiple discussions with residents and, using creative thinking, completely removed the public fixed trash cans at docks and scenic spots starting in May. On Dongji Island, they launched the "mobile garbage truck" service, where cleaning staff use a motorcycle to pull a handcart (locally known as "lí-á-kà"). They tour a fixed route at specific times every two days, making it convenient for local residents to hand over household waste and recyclables, while also reducing the travel distance for elderly residents. This will be extended to Dongyuping Island in the future. As for tourists, they are encouraged to bring their own reusable tableware and water bottles and are urged to "take your own trash back with you" to reduce single-use waste. The headquarters stated that due to the isolated geographical location of the South Four Islands, both marine debris and on-island household waste are extremely difficult to transport and clean up. Facing these severe geographical limitations, the national park is willing to take the initiative and stand on the front line of environmental protection. From using canoes and professional rappelling to clear marine debris, to now fully implementing the new "mobile garbage truck" management system on land, all efforts are aimed at reducing the island's environmental load. The headquarters pointed out that the national park will continue to cooperate with various units of the Penghu County Government to jointly establish a complete net-zero circular chain from front-end "source reduction," mid-stream "scheduled collection," to back-end "proper transfer," co-authoring a new chapter in remote island environmental governance.