Located on 217 Yanping Road in Taoyuan, this recycling station has an unremarkable appearance. Under its corrugated metal roof, several fabric banners faded by the sun hang, while neatly sorted cardboard boxes and plastic crates are stacked inside.

There is no eye-catching sign at the entrance, making it seem like just another ordinary part of the street corner. Before visiting the recycling station in person, we first reviewed residents’ comments on Google Maps. We found that many people come here to sell recyclables for income, though some expressed dissatisfaction with the relatively low recycling prices. Through further interviews, we learned that prices were not always this low in the past; rather, due to various policy measures and market pressures, the station had no choice but to lower its purchasing prices, gradually leading to these complaints.

However, once we truly stepped inside the station, what stood out was not merely the transactions but the constant flow of people and the familiar exchanges of greetings. Nearly everyone who came to exchange recyclables was able to chat naturally with the owner, as if they were long-time friends.