As the end of the year approaches and the Lunar New Year of the Dragon draws near, sanitation workers across Taiwan are working tirelessly to support the nation’s year-end cleaning efforts. During this time, they take on the added burden of collecting increased volumes of household waste and bulky discarded items such as furniture. Even before the official holiday ends, many return to their posts early to clear the trash accumulated during the festive period. The Ministry of Environment extends heartfelt gratitude to more than 35,000 sanitation workers nationwide—those dedicated, behind-the-scenes heroes safeguarding public cleanliness.

Waste volumes surge significantly before the Lunar New Year, often requiring sanitation workers to work late into the night. Many must work overtime even on Lunar New Year’s Eve, only heading home to reunite with their families after all waste has been cleared—sometimes missing their reunion dinner altogether. Others must report back to duty before the holiday ends, ensuring that cities across the country are clean and orderly when people return to work.

To ensure the safety of sanitation workers during their duties, the Ministry reminds the public to properly dispose of high-pressure containers such as gas canisters and hair spray used during New Year’s gatherings. Before discarding these items, make sure they are fully emptied, separately packaged, and clearly labeled with a warning such as “Contains High-Pressure Canister.” This helps prevent explosions during waste compaction and protects sanitation workers from harm. If the canister is not empty, release the remaining contents in an open area—never puncture the container. Always follow the four-step guideline: “Use Up – Pack Separately – Label – Recycle.”

The Ministry of Environment and the Environmental Management Administration sincerely thank every sanitation worker for their contributions to keeping our surroundings clean. We also call on the public to show understanding and appreciation for their hard work—don’t hesitate to say: “Thank you for your hard work!”