Lessons from Taiwan's 'no dustbin'
approach
MY FAMILY went to Taiwan recently
and visited three of its night markets, including the famous ones
at Shilin and Fengjia.
The night markets were crowded and many customers
bought takeaway food to snack on while walking. But what surprised
me was that there wasn't a single dustbin to be found, yet there is
no rubbish on the streets.
Not knowing where to throw our rubbish, we put it
into plastic bags and took it back to our hotel.
Our Taiwanese tour guide told us that Taiwan's
campaign to get people to take their trash home has been going on
for several years. It garnered strong opposition at first, and the
officials in charge had to endure a barrage of public criticism.
But the government pressed on, and taking rubbish home has now
become a habit among the Taiwanese.
Singapore is renowned for its clean streets, but it
seems other places are catching up with us or have even surpassed
us or have been surpassed us - and we are doing anything about
it.
I am not suggesting that we immediately remove
rubbish bins from the streets. Besides, Taiwan's system is not that
draconian - if you buy something from street vendors, they will
help you discard the rubbish you are holding.
But we should recognise one thing: When one
generates rubbish, one should be responsible for it.
We should not litter - there are stiff penalties
for those who do - and it would be good if we took rubbish home for
disposal.
If we all play our part, we will be the ones
enjoying the benefits of a clean Singapore.
Li Jingyu
Forum, The Straits Times, Tuesday, February 4, 2014, Pg A23
Singapore has already been removing more and more rubbish bin in
the public.
Last time even lamp post at carpark got those small bin...
Remind me of few year back when NTU or NUS remove rubbish bin...
the move was met with a strong negative reaction from the students
and people...
I believe it is a cultural thing, unfortunately, we have new
comers here who believe in just throwing rubbish everywhere becoz
they are only here to work and it's not their country...