As the Lunar New Year approaches, households are busy with year-end cleaning. The Ministry of Environment reminds the public to properly dispose of large furniture, mattresses, and other bulky waste by following the collection schedules announced by local environmental agencies or sanitation teams. Garbage collection schedules during the holiday can be checked on the Environmental Management Agency's official website https://reurl.cc/O5Rl0v) or on local environmental agency websites.
Most regions will stop garbage collection from the afternoon of January 28 (Lunar New Year's Eve) and resume services gradually from February 1 (the fourth day of the Lunar New Year). Taichung City will maintain garbage collection throughout the holiday, while New Taipei City has set up 70 fixed-point collection services to meet public demand.
When using environmental disinfectants, please follow the "Four Principles" (Photo/Source: Ministry of Environment FB).
Home Cleaning and Safety Reminders
The Ministry of Environment urges residents to thoroughly clean up clutter and containers with stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding. When handling high-pressure containers (e.g., gas cylinders, sunscreen spray cans), follow these four steps: use up, package, label, and recycle via specialized vehicles, ensuring safety for both sanitation workers and the public.
When selecting cleaning products, opt for eco-labeled products to avoid those with harmful chemicals. Always follow the usage instructions and avoid mixing chemicals to prevent harmful reactions. Ensure proper ventilation during cleaning and store chemicals securely to prevent accidental contact by children, safeguarding your family's health.
Guidelines for Using Environmental Disinfectants
When using environmental disinfectants, adhere to the "Four Musts" principles:
★ Must be targeted: Choose products with sterilizing and disinfecting effects according to your needs.
★ Must be legal: Confirm the packaging includes permits marked "Environmental Protection Agency License" or "Imported License."
★ Must check validity: Verify the manufacture date and expiration date to avoid using expired products.
★ Must follow instructions: Operate according to labeled instructions to ensure effectiveness and safety.
During the Lunar New Year, when burning joss paper at temples, the Ministry of Environment suggests prioritizing methods such as "centralized burning of joss paper" or "substituting offerings with merit or goods" (Photo/Source: Ministry of Environment FB).
Add Greenery for a Healthier Environment
After the cleanup, consider adding plants to your home to enhance air quality and aesthetics:
★ Entrances and foyers: Plants like Begonia rex, African violets, creeping figs, and gloxinias can trap dust and filter particles from the air.
★ Living rooms and kitchens: Plants such as poinsettias, Boston ferns, philodendrons, and monstera are effective at removing carbon dioxide.
★ Study rooms and bedrooms: Plants like peace lilies, chrysanthemums, parlor palms, azaleas, and money trees help reduce formaldehyde levels.
Temple Visits and Joss Paper Management
During the Lunar New Year and the celebrations for the ninth day of the Lunar calendar (Heavenly Emperor’s birthday), burning joss paper is common at temples. The Ministry of Environment suggests methods such as centralized burning of joss paper or replacing it with merit or goods to reduce air pollution and fire risks, helping to protect environmental quality.
Appreciating Sanitation Workers: Enjoy a Clean and Safe New Year
The Ministry of Environment reminds the public that the volume of garbage increases significantly during the Lunar New Year, making sanitation workers’ jobs especially challenging. Workers are only responsible for garbage collection and do not accept gifts. A simple “thank you for your hard work” can express your gratitude. Properly sort and package your garbage to ease their workload and ensure a clean and festive holiday for everyone.
