TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of Environment (MOENV, 環境部) unveiled plans on Tuesday (July 1) to substantially increase the number of sitting toilets in public facilities across the island, responding to demographic shifts in a society where nearly 20 percent of residents are elderly. The initiative specifically targets reducing fall risks for seniors and others with mobility challenges who often struggle with traditional squat toilets that require significant knee strength and balance.
Yen Hsu-ming (顏旭明), director of the Environmental Management Administration (環境管理署), emphasized that traditional squat toilets would not be eliminated entirely from Taiwan's landscape. "We're planning a gradual transition to a 3:2 ratio favoring sitting toilets," Yen explained during the announcement. Data from the National Land Management Agency (國土署, Taiwan's territorial planning authority) shows the island currently maintains approximately 45,000 public restrooms nationwide, with sitting toilets already comprising 53.6% of facilities while squat toilets make up the remaining 46.4%.
The Environmental Management Administration has framed the initiative as part of a broader effort to elevate Taiwan's "toilet culture" through inclusive design principles. Officials emphasized the plan includes expanding accessible facilities for users with disabilities and increasing the number of gender-neutral restrooms throughout the island. The administration also launched a public awareness campaign encouraging proper facility usage and fostering respect for the essential workers who maintain these public amenities—an aspect officials described as crucial to sustaining infrastructure improvements.
The ambitious initiative comes with substantial financial backing, as the administration pledged to invest at least NT$600 million (approximately US$20.5 million) between 2025 and 2030 to construct a minimum of 30 showcase public restroom facilities across Taiwan. Individual projects can receive up to NT$20 million (about US$684,500) in government subsidies. The program has already generated significant interest, with officials reporting that 75 local governments and organizations have submitted applications, of which 25 have successfully cleared preliminary review processes. ◼