Taiwan's musical garbage trucks blend waste collection with social bonding
'When we hear this music, we know it's time to take out the trash. It's very convenient,' said 78-year-old Lee Shu-ning, waiting outside her Taipei apartment. Residents toss general waste into the truck while food scraps and recyclables go into separate bins. For many elderly, the daily routine doubles as a chance to socialize. 'I can chat with old neighbours and friends. It's nice,' Lee added.
Not everyone finds the system ideal. 'It's inconvenient because it comes at a fixed time,' said beautician Dai Yun-wei, 31. 'Sometimes we're not home or busy, so we can't throw away the trash.'
Taiwan's musical garbage trucks date back to the 1960s, explained Shyu Shyh-shiun from Taipei's Department of Environmental Protection. Originally equipped with 'Fur Elise' by German manufacturers, the trucks later adopted Tekla Badarzewska-Baranowska's 'Maiden's Prayer.' Operating five days a week, the trucks have become a cultural staple.
Some, like 76-year-old Yang Xiu-ying, have turned trash collection into a livelihood. She earns NT$11,200 ($380) monthly by sorting and disposing of waste for 28 households. 'Some people get off work late, some elderly find it inconvenient, so I help,' Yang said.
Younger generations seek digital solutions. The app Tracle, co-founded by Ben Chen, allows users to schedule trash pickups. 'We save a lot of time for them,' Chen said. 'We enhance their life quality.'
Taiwan's waste management has transformed over 30 years. Once plagued by overflowing landfills, the island now boasts a 67% recycling rate, up from 2% in 2000. Residents must use government-approved blue bags for general waste, encouraging recycling. 'In the beginning, everybody felt it was inconvenient,' Shyu admitted. 'But now, they see cleaner streets and agree it's a good policy.'
And the trucks? Shyu smiled. 'They're almost always on time.' - AFP
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Taiwan's musical garbage trucks blend waste collection with social bonding
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