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Environmental Protection, Carbon Reduction, and the Cycle of Kindness: Taichung’s Social Affairs Bureau Promotes Recycling and Reuse of Second-hand Assistive Devices
2024-12-31
     
  Environmental Protection, Carbon Reduction, and the Cycle of Kindness: Taichung’s Social Affairs Bureau Promotes Recycling and Reuse of Second-hand Assistive Devices
 
By 2025, Taiwan is projected to become a super-aged society. For seniors with mobility challenges, aids like walkers and wheelchairs are indispensable. When these devices break down, it can cause significant inconvenience. There are three assistive technology resource centers in Taichung offering repair services at a fee. Skilled technicians ensure the aids are thoroughly cleaned and restored to full functionality. Furthermore, individuals with unused but functional second-hand assistive devices can donate them via the Taichung Resource Portal of Assistive Technology (https://rat.taichung.gov.tw/home). This not only contributes to public welfare but also aligns with energy-saving and carbon-reduction goals, making Taichung a caring, eco-friendly city.
According to the Social Affairs Bureau, common recyclable assistive devices include mobility aids (e.g., crutches, walkers, quad canes, and wheelchairs), home care equipment (e.g., commode chairs, shower chairs, and air mattresses), and respiratory care devices (e.g., oxygen concentrators, suction machines, and mucus clearance devices). Donators will have to deliver small- and medium-sized items to designated assistive technology resources centers or locations for recycling. However, for large items like electric beds, electric wheelchairs, and mobility scooters, free pickup services can be scheduled by calling the designated hotline.
The Social Affairs Bureau added that assistive technology resources centers provide a variety of professional services, such as personalized consultations, usage guidance, maintenance follow-ups, as well as rental and recycling of assistive devices. Nearly 3,500 services have been delivered this year. Feel free to make use of the nearest assistive technology resources centers: Southern District Assistive Technology Resources Center (serving North, Central, East, South, and Dali districts): 04-2471-3535 ext. 1177; Northern District Assistive Technology Resources Center (serving Tanzi, Beitun, Taiping, and Shengang districts): 04-2531-4200; Coastal District Assistive Technology Resources Center (serving Dadu, Longjing, Dajia, Daan, and Waipu districts): 04-2662-7152 ext. 35–39.
Updated:2025-01-16 17:16:00