In India, garbage-collection comes with a loudspeaker announcement about recycling. In Taiwan, it comes with Beethoven’s 'Für Elise' playing in the background. A unique event that has shaped the attitude of Taiwanese residents towards trash-disposal, here’s why it’s iconic.
Taiwan’s garbage trucks play classical music
Taiwan's garbage trucks play classical music to cajole residents into coming out to load the trucks. Like a positive Pied Piper guiding people towards the path of recycling, this has been instrumental in getting people to clean up their trash responsibly.
So, Beethoven's legendary 'Für Elise' is a common sound playing through the streets of Taipei. Then, there's 'A Maiden’s Prayer' by Tekla Bądarzewska-Baranowska. Once lesser-known, ‘A Maiden’s Prayer' is now famous on YouTube thanks to videos of Taiwanese garbage trucks!
Why do Taiwan’s garbage trucks play classical music?
There are several theories about why Taiwan’s garbage trucks play these songs. According to the podcast, Formosa Files, the whole thing may have started in the 1960s. They speculate that Japanese garbage trucks pre-loaded with this music came to Taiwan.
However, Shyu Shyh-shiun, from Taipei's Department of Environmental Protection, told AFP a different story. Per him, Taiwan imported German garbage trucks pre-programmed with 'Für Elise.' Either way, no one is really sure how 'Maiden's Prayer' was added to this playlist.
Did musical garbage trucks condition Taiwan’s residents into cleaning up?
There’s no harsh noise or loud announcement involved in this process. This entire melodic arrangement has made cleanliness a habit for people. Retiree Lee Shu-ning told AFP: "When we hear this music, we know it's time to take out the trash. It's very convenient."
For her, it’s also become an opportunity to socialise: "It’s not [troublesome], not at all, because if I’m alone, it’s probably about two days’ worth of trash, so I come to take it out every two days. I can chat with some old neighbours and friends, it's nice."
What is interesting is that since the '60s, everyone has grown up hearing this sound, and come to associate it with stepping out with their garbage bags. So, residents of Taiwanese cities have been conditioned into having a reaction to the music, turning cleanliness into an instinctive practice.
Can countries like India try Taiwan’s garbage truck model?
Taiwan has made exemplary strides in its waste management system. Taipei had a two per cent recycling rate in 2000. Now, it's nearly 67 per cent. The amount of garbage sent for incineration has also fallen by two-thirds, according to what Shyu told AFP.
Clearly, something is working. Is it the music? If it is, then one has to wonder if it has trained people to clear their trash in a timely manner. So, does this mean civic sense can be programmed into human minds with such calls-to-action?
In India, where implementation, large populations, and resources are all causes for concern, negative reinforcements like fines, don’t always work. Plus, given how effective and eco-friendly waste management is still a new concept in India, would it make sense to try something like this? Could habit-forming nudges, like the enjoyable music from these trucks, be the solution we need? Perhaps garbage trucks playing some A.P. Dhillon?
