Taiwan to ban food waste as pig feed from 2027

Taiwan will completely ban the use of food waste as pig feed from January 1, 2027, due to the risk of African swine fever (ASF). The decision marks a gradual phaseout of a practice that has helped local farms reduce feed costs for decades. Since the beginning of 2026, household food waste has already been prohibited for pig feeding, while certain certified farms may continue using approved commercial food waste until the end of December, subject to proper treatment and monitoring.

According to Taiwan’s Environmental Management Administration, approximately 522 thsd tons of household food waste were collected in 2025, equivalent to around 1,430 tons per day. Of this volume, 37.7% was used as pig feed, 44% was composted and 10.9% was processed for bioenergy production. As a result, nearly 197 thsd tons of waste previously supplied to pig farms will require alternative processing or disposal methods.

The main reason for tightening the restrictions was the detection of African swine fever in Taiwan in 2025. The virus can spread through contaminated meat products and food waste that has not undergone proper heat treatment. The complete ban is intended to reduce animal health risks for the local pig industry. Meanwhile, the transition to alternative feed rations could create additional demand for compound feed, corn and soybean meal, although no specific estimates of potential consumption growth are currently available.

To process food waste that will no longer be used in pig farming, Taiwan is expanding its biogas production, composting and organic waste treatment facilities using black soldier fly larvae. Since February 2019, the government has allocated NT$1.3 bln to develop the necessary infrastructure. During this period, two biogas plants, 11 insect-based waste treatment facilities and 14 high-efficiency composting facilities have been established, while 45 older composting plants have been upgraded.

At the same time, Taiwan’s authorities are seeking to reduce food waste generation and expand its use in organic fertilizer and renewable energy production. In October 2026, the government announced plans to develop a digital platform offering discounted food products approaching their expiration dates. The new waste management system is expected to reduce reliance on pig farming for food waste recycling while supporting the development of bioenergy and alternative feed technologies.

Tags: Taiwan, compound feed, pig, food waste