To achieve the objective of recycling construction, agricultural and medical wastes, current management situation and problems are analyzed, and the recycling structure and improved management measures are proposed. The results are as follows: 1. Construction and demolition waste Quantifiable data of construction resource recycling in Taiwan from 2012 to 2016 was compiled, including metallic mineral (iron) and non-metallic minerals (soil and cement), quantity of concrete used for buildings, estimated quantity of concrete used in public construction, building construction statistics, building demolition permit, quantity of construction waste produced and quantity of construction soil left over from construction. A construction resource recycling structure is established using construction resource recycling statistics from 2016 and analyzing the recycling process of cement concrete. The construction resource recycling structure is also established, and measures to improve construction resource recycling management in Taiwan is studied, from a compilation of information on resource recycling management system in the EU, Netherlands, Japan and China, using the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s circular economy ReSOLVE framework, and based on the cradle-to-cradle and material flow concepts. Taking into consideration laws and regulations on building, occupational safety and environmental protection, and the opinions of experts and academicians, the “Guidelines for Cleanup of Waste Containing Asbestos from Building Demolition” and “Guidelines for Cleanup of Waste Containing Asbestos from Interior Demolition” were drafted to help demolition companies understand how to handle construction waste containing asbestos after demolition, and provide a reference for related agencies to give guidance on the cleanup process. With regard to establishing the general principles for managing renovation waste, the templates for “Disposal Plan for General Renovation Waste” and “Regulations for Cleanup and Discharge of General Renovation Waste” were completed to provide a reference for the EPA to direct local governments to establish regulations for management of renovation waste. 2. Agricultural waste Survey of current production output and flow of non-biodegradable agricultural waste, such as plastic film for agricultural use, was completed through on-site visits and telephone interviews, and solutions for eliminating such waste were proposed for reference by related agencies. Analysis of the feasibility of using biodegradable agricultural plastic film from technical, cost and environmental perspectives was completed and measures to promote such use were proposed. Investigation and analysis of the types of fishing gears used in Taiwan and waste quantity produced were completed. Related management laws and regulations were compiled, and management recommendations for recycling, disposal and reuse were proposed. Assistance was provided to set up storage areas for discarded fishing nets, and establish measures for recycling and disposal of discarded fishing nets. Results of implementation at demonstration sites were compiled, and a campaign meeting and observation tour was held respectively to improve channels for elimination of discarded fishing nets through exchange of experiences. 3. Medical waste Statistics showed a yearly increase in the quantity of biomedical waste declared. Most of the medical waste were produced in the six major counties/cities and were mostly processed by incineration. Compiling laws and regulations related to the sanitary disposal of biomedical waste, and opinions of experts and academicians, the “Guidelines on the Sanitary Disposal of Biomedical Waste” was drafted, including an introduction, stipulations on common sterilization and disposal, stipulations on sterilization method, and effectiveness testing method, to be used for reference by businesses and disposal agencies in the future A survey of the production quantity and disposal of soft infusion fluid bags used in Taiwan hospitals and kidney dialysis clinics was conducted this year. Evaluation of alternative to the use of PVC soft infusion fluid bags was completed based on market, technical and administrative perspectives, and recommendations on relevant management in Taiwan was proposed. Furthermore, information on regulations concerning identification of genotoxic waste overseas was gathered, and comparison made to current system in Taiwan. With reference to the list of carcinogens released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, recommendation for addition and revision to the list has been proposed as reference for future law amendment.

Construction ＆ Demolition waste, Material Flow, Circular Economy, Asbestos, Agricultural waste, Fishing net, Agricultural film, Medical waste