Taiwan rewards picking up dog droppings for environment

(cptsai)

(AFP)

Taiwanese authorities said Wednesday they are encouraging the public to pick up garbage, including dog excrement, for rewards in the first move of its kind to clean up the environment.

The Environmental Protection Bureau in central Taichung City said it is offering a gift voucher of 100 Taiwan dollars (three dollars) for one kilogram (two pounds) of dog excrement.

To collect vouchers, citizens must haul the canine droppings and other garbage to specified locations, the bureau said.

"We hope the people will help clean up and conserve the environment so we can have a clean city by offering the rewards," it said in a statement.

The bureau is also giving vouchers for picking up plastic, paper and Styrofoam cups as well as plastic bags.