Taiwan cities raise fines for cigarette‑butt littering and illegal fireworks

The Chiayi City Environmental Protection Bureau reported that, through technology‑based patrols and a public reporting system, more than 150 cigarette‑butt littering cases were recorded by the end of June. Offenders face fines up to NT$6,000. The bureau also runs a “collect cigarette butts for gifts” scheme, allowing residents to exchange 100 g of collected butts for a collection box or detergent and 2 kg for a cleaning‑agent bottle, with no daily limit on redemptions.

Meanwhile, the Taichung City Fire Department has intensified its crackdown on illegal fireworks. Enforcement actions have risen sharply, reaching 52 cases in 2025 and 29 cases by the end of June 2026. Violations can incur fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$1.5 million, with the heaviest penalty applied to those who transport fireworks without permission. A repeat offender was recently fined NT$100 million. Both agencies stress that strict enforcement is essential to protect public safety and the environment.