Taiwan’s waste management policy aims at achieving “zero waste in resource recycling,” moving toward “maximizing resource utilization and minimizing waste generation.” The policy prioritizes waste reduction at source, followed by material recycling and proper circulation to reduce natural resource extraction. Finally, under the condition of meeting quality standards, combustible waste is converted into fuel through waste-to-energy utilization.

Since 2019, the Resource Circulation Administration of the Ministry of Environment has promoted fuelization by drawing on the experiences of the EU, Japan, and South Korea. The initiative focuses on converting non-hazardous combustible wastes (such as plastics, paper, fibers, and wood) into Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) through sorting, shredding, and blending. To promote the energy recovery of waste, a comprehensive regulatory framework was established, encompassing SRF quality standards, equipment requirements, and inspection criteria.

However, during the development of SRF manufacturing and utilization in recent years, some operators were found to engage in improper waste treatment, produce fuel of inconsistent quality, lack adequate pollution control measures, and fail to implement proper equipment management and quality inspection. These issues affected the surrounding environment and attracted public concern. To advance the robust development of the SRF industry, the Resource Circulation Administration commissioned Sinotech Engineering Services, Ltd. at the end of 2024 to draft the “SRF White Paper.” The White Paper covers international practices, Taiwan’s promotion history, and the current development status of the industry. It also identifies potential feedstock types and volumes, market value, sales conditions, as well as the new compliance requirements for SRF producers and users, serving as an essential guideline for existing operators to improve management and for new entrants to understand the industry. The initial draft of the “SRF White Paper” was released in a press conference on January 14, 2025, in coordination with the promulgation of the new SRF Management Regulations, followed by a draft for public consultation in early February, and officially finalized at the end of April 2025.

To continuously promote the “SRF White Paper” to SRF producers and users, encouraging the industry to improve their operations in line with the new regulations, the Resource Circulation Administration re-commissioned Sinotech Engineering Services, Ltd. to conduct on-site guidance visits of SRF producers and users from June to September 2025. During the process, it became evident that the SRF industry was gradually moving onto a proper operational path. Operators with prior operational deficiencies have steadily moved toward compliant practices or planed to exit the market, supporting the industry’s overall progress toward full compliance and strengthening public confidence in the SRF industry.