Eco-reward backfires on popular Tainan iced treats store

Eco-reward backfires on popular Tainan iced treats store

2026-08-18

There’s a delicious iced treats store in Tainan that sells a cup of mango shaved ice for only NT$49. The incredibly cheap price has attracted loads of customers and the store offers another sweetener: if customers bring their leftover cups back for recycling, they receive another NT$5, making the overall deal an amazingly cheap NT$44. Unexpectedly, these kind eco-friendly intentions were misinterpreted. A customer reported the store for allegedly reusing its single-use disposable containers. The store was forced to deny this and say it was only trying to protect the environment. Let’s find out more.

A bowl of refreshing shaved mango ice topped with mango sauce, condensed milk and a dollop of ice cream makes for a must-have summer treat.

This mango shaved ice store located on Guohua Street in Tainan sells a bowl of mango shaved ice for only NT$49, attracting many customers. The store has also posted a notice encouraging customers to return their cups after finishing their shaved ice, and the store will refund them NT$5.

Operator
Iced treats store
The main reason is that there are a lot of tourists here, and they often leave their cups on Guohua Street or in the entrances of nearby shops after they finish eating, which causes a lot of trouble for many people. We thought we could encourage customers to bring their cups back and dispose of them with a reward.

However, this thoughtful eco-friendly gesture was reported, with someone alleging the owner was reusing single-use containers. Left frustrated, the owner quickly stepped forward to clarify.

Operator
Iced treats store
Say people bring back a hundred cups a day for us to throw out. It’s just not realistic for us to wash those hundred cups, because between washing, disinfecting, and everything else, it’s just not cost-effective.

Member of the public
Thinks it’s a good deal
I think at this price of NT$49, with a refund afterwards of NT$5 is a really good deal.

Member of the public
Approves of iced treats store
If they offer a NT$5 refund, it might encourage people to bring the bowl back for a refund, thus reducing the amount of waste.

After the Tainan City Government Public Health Bureau inspected the site, it confirmed that the containers had not been reused. This iced treats store has only been open for a year, but it is very popular because of its amazingly generous prices. The store owner admitted operating on low profit margins and high turnover, hoping that spending money to collect the cups won’t lead to their good intentions being misunderstood.

#recycling #Taiwanesetreats #Tainansnacks #cheapsnacks

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

回收杯子退5元遭檢舉重複使用冰店喊冤:是怕環境髒亂

2026-08-18

台南國華街有一家冰店，一杯芒果冰才賣49元，超便宜的價格，吸引不少民眾來朝聖，就怕吃完的杯子造成環境遭亂，店家好意推出折扣，只要把吃剩的杯子拿回來回收，店家再退5元，等於一杯只要44元，沒想到卻遭人檢舉，懷疑是重複利用一次性容器，讓店家連忙出來喊冤。

清涼剉冰淋上芒果醬、煉乳，再放上一坨冰淇淋，就是一碗夏日必吃的芒果冰。

這間位於台南國華街的芒果冰店，一碗芒果冰只賣49元，吸引不少民眾光顧，店家還貼出公告，鼓勵民眾吃完後再把杯子拿回來，店家會再退你五塊錢。

[[業者]]
“主要是因為這裡遊客蠻多，就是把杯子吃完，就丟在國華街道上面或附近店家門口，也造成蠻多人的困擾，想說不然我們就是用獎勵金的方式，鼓勵客人把杯子拿回來丟”

只是這維護環境的貼心舉動，卻卻被人檢舉，指稱老闆疑似回收容器重複使用，讓店家好無奈，連忙出來澄清。

[[業者]]
“假設一天有人拿一百杯回來丟好了，我們要洗那個一百杯，也不太可能去做這件事情，因為你要洗又要消毒又要幹嘛，我覺得那個不合成本”

[[民眾]]
“我覺得這樣價位49元，待會又可以再去退五塊錢，真的蠻划算的”

[[民眾]]
“他們退五塊的話，可以吸引民眾把那個碗拿回來退，就不會製造這麼多垃圾”

而台南市衛生局到場稽查後，也確認真的沒有重複使用，這家芒果冰店才開幕一年，因為佛心價格人氣滿滿，店家坦言真的是薄利多銷，花錢回收容器，就盼不要被人扭曲一番好意。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

Related News

Collectors invest in rare trading cards from abroad

2026-08-18

Collectors invest in rare trading cards from abroad

2026-08-18

Tow trunk heartthrob keeps cool after getting hit by man

Last summer, tow truck driver William Meng left the hearts of many throbbing after a news story showed him moving illegally parked scooters. Just a few months later, it was Meng’s face that was left throbbing because an illegally parking elderly man attacked the amateur bodybuilder. Meng kept his cool and called the police to handle the situation, showing that he has both brawn and brains.

Tanned and toned tow truck driver heartthrob William Meng was just doing one of his two day jobs, taking away some illegally parked scooters when he was attacked by this 71-year-old man, who had climbed onto the truck in order to yank his scooter off.

This old man had a lot of fight in him, punching and even slapping this hunky heartthrob’s head. The young man kept calm, calling the police instead of fighting back.

The tow truck driver had already finished packing up the scooter of the old man, who wouldn’t get down and even ended up getting pulled off the truck after he attacked police officers. This incident happened in New Taipei’s Sanchong back in October of last year. Meng said this experience was a first for him, and that he’d already reported the elderly man. The minor celebrity with major muscles did his best to stop the enraged older man, whose behavior could’ve damaged other vehicles and even his own health.

William Meng
Hunky tow truck driver
I was worried that if he pulled his scooter down, that other scooters would fall on him, so he might get hurt. So, I tried to get in his way, to stop him from opening our truck’s drop-side, which likely made him even angrier, even more unhappy. He kept on attacking me, kept on hitting my back, even slapping me once or twice. I was getting fed up, especially since the police and I were just doing our duty.

After this elderly man attacked Meng, injuring his back, neck, and even his face, the scooter-moving celebrity was then accosted by another person: this time it was a selfie seeker.

A 2025 news story showing Meng towing scooters revealed his impressive physique and good looks, which drew comparisons to celebrities near and far, like Korean actor So Ji-sub.

William Meng
Hunky tow truck driver
Training to get this big, it’s just something we like to do. It doesn’t mean that we can take punches, or that we can use it to fight people.

This illegal scooter parking episode turned into a one-sided brawl, where the tow truck heartthrob kept his cool instead of using self-defense, while the old man might be in trouble for an Offense of Obstructing an Officer in Discharge of Duties.

#towtruck #muscle #hunk #workout #bodybuilder #heartthrob #SoJisub #소지섭 #asianmen #hunky #hunkymen #男神

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2026-08-18

Tainan ‘female ghost’ walking tour signups fill in seconds

Even during Ghost Month, local tourism doesn’t stop! As usual, all four sessions of Tainan’s annual “strongest female ghost” walking tour sold out instantly. The Cultural Affairs Bureau is also hosting events for Qixi Festival, hoping that a little romance will dispel the haunted energy.

Tainan’s historic West Market was recently taken over by a massive red rope coiling its way throughout the building, catching the eye of many passersby who are wondering what it could be for.

A sign next to the installation says it’s a “red thread of fate,” a part of this year’s Tainan Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day. The city hopes visitors will immerse themselves in the"City of Love," even during Ghost Month.

Huang Ya-ling
Tainan Cultural Affairs Bureau director
When people come to Tainan, they can connect with many expected strokes of fate through both invisible and visible red threads.

Speaking of the unseen, there’s also the can’t-miss walking tour for Chen Shou-niang, the"strongest female ghost,” which is held every Ghost Month. This year there will be four sessions with a total of 120 spots. Sure enough, reservations filled up in seconds.

Yin Chieh-hsien
Tainan tourism services specialist
As always, we welcome the public to come and listen to the tour. Anyone who joins for the entire walk will still receive an amulet from the temple.

The walking tour sets off from Mother Gu Temple and visits locations mentioned in the legend, before concluding at the Chaste and Filial Shrine at the Confucius Temple, where Chen Shou-niang’s spirit tablet is enshrined. By following in her footsteps, participants can experience Chen’s story and local folklore.

Ghost Month may bring many taboos, but people are still looking to go out and explore. Whether seeking romance or exploring urban legends, the ancient capital opens its arms to travelers from all walks of life.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Tainan #ghoststory #ghostmonth #ChenShouniang #walkingtour #QixiFestival #WestMarket #redthread

2026-08-18

Many KMT and TPP legislators unhappy about NT$10,000 handout

President Lai Ching-te recently announced a nationwide NT$10,000 cash handout that’ll be part of next year’s budget. The intention of the handout is to allow the residents of Taiwan to enjoy “the fruits of Taiwan’s economic development.” Yet many opposition lawmakers, for one reason or another, are unhappy about the handout coming to fruition.

President Lai Ching-te recently announced next year’s nationwide NT$10,000 cash handouts, which are supposed to help residents in Taiwan tangibly enjoy the fruitful growth of last year’s economy. But some opposition party politicians have different opinions on this money matter.

Lai Shyh-bao
Legislator (KMT)
Back when we first talked about this financial concept, the other side said this is “impoverishing Taiwan,” that it’s “selling out the country.” But this time we’ve caught Lai Ching-te “impoverishing Taiwan, selling out the country.” The DPP can, but we can’t! Talk about double standards.

Lin Chun-hsien
Legislator (DPP)
The KMT is acting all flustered, lashing out at people, like only the KMT can propose an idea like these NT$10,000 cash handouts. Next year’s nationwide cash handout is already part of the annual budget, so if the opposition parties oppose it, being that the KMT and TPP has the majority, then the KMT can just remove it from the budget. I don’t know what the KMT is getting so mad about.

Last year KMT and TPP legislators passed a bill requiring the Executive Yuan to hand out cash payments. This time the Executive Yuan is directly putting the handouts into next year’s central government budget. This year’s budget didn’t pass its third reading until this August, thereby leading to a situation in which the NT$10,000 handout has become a bargaining chip whenever the budget is brought up.

Jacky Chen
TPP caucus convener
For the investigation of the budget, the Taiwan People’s Party has absolutely carried out a rigorous inspection; the TPP would never just take it easy, insisting that it must pass just because you want to do a NT$10,000 cash handout.

Chuang Jui-hsiung
DPP Legislative Caucus
With last year’s nationwide handout, that NT$10,000 in cash, why did the Democratic Progressive Party object to it at first? Because it was borrowing money. The government has increased its sources of revenue, and so the money that needs to be spent has already been allocated. And since there’s no need to borrow money, then of course the president has mulled over this issue.

Chen Pei-yu
Legislator (DPP)
Back when Chiang Wan-an and Wang Hung-wei called for a NT$20,000 handout, Chien Shu-pei said that Taipei City’s surplus is enough to let you raise the amount. And the same goes for Mayor Lu Shiow-yen; we’ve already run the numbers for you, so Taichung could give up to NT$50,000, which means you can increase the amount. We encourage you all to bring even more joy to the lives of city residents.

Once the budget is passed by the Executive Yuan Council on Aug. 20, then it’ll most likely be passed on to the Legislative Yuan the next day, meaning this NT$10,000 handout is about to become a hotly contested issue.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#money #LegislativeYuan #KMT #TPP #DPP #cashhandout #budget #moremoneymoreproblems

2026-08-18

22-year-old man ordered to pay NT$398 million for Carrefour fire

2026-08-18

Families learn about Tsou culture at Alishan’s Veoveoana community

2026-08-18

Jeep driver gets stuck after illegally entering Qixingtan

2026-08-18

Massive hornet’s nest causes popular botanical garden to close

2026-08-18

Adorable bear statues pop up across Chiayi City

These bears are bound to melt your heart! Over the summer, a bunch of adorable bears have popped up around Chiayi City. Created by local artist Chuang Hsin-tang, these 10 sculptures can be found in parks, by cycling paths, and at historic sites. It’s sparked a “bear-hunting” craze, where people traipse around the city to snag photos with the cute statues.

Holding a lotus leaf as an umbrella in a park. Quietly reading by a reservoir. Birdwatching at Lantan. This summer, a sleuth of bears has appeared around Chiayi City, delighting visitors and locals alike.

There are 10 of these sculptures, all with a unique design. People are encouraged to go find them at scenic spots around the city and take photos to create their own “bear map.”

Tsai Kuan-chung
Chiayi tourism official
The city government will also hold a special event where people can scan a QR code to receive bear-themed merch, so stay tuned for that.

This actually isn’t the first time they’ve appeared around Chiayi, creating a buzz around these bears. But this time, their designs are more integrated with the local culture and history of the city.

Chuang Hsin-tang
Local artist
As one example, since this is the city of the artist Chen Cheng-po, I made a painter. There are also some historic buildings that inspired a bear riding an old three-wheeled bike in retro clothing.

This bear artist working on a painting in Chiayi Park reflects the city’s title as the “capital of painting,” calling to mind the famous artist Chen Cheng-po.

- This painting bear is so cute!

Outside the old prison dormitories, this bear pedaling a rickshaw instantly transports you back to an earlier time in the historic city.

- There’s a bear pulling an old rickshaw here. People can come and take pictures with it.

Along the cycling path, there’s a bear with a YouBike that makes for the perfect photo stop.

- This bear is so cute. It makes me happy!

As the bears debuted across the city, many joggers and photographers have created their own “bear-hunting” routes, sharing their photos online to piece together this one-of-a-kind treasure hunt.

#Chiayi #publicart #sculpture #ChenChengpo #treasurehunt #ChuangHsintang #photospot

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2026-08-18