With the Lunar New Year approaching, and in preparation for welcoming the energetic Year of the Horse, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) held a press conference on Jan. 27 titled “Leading the Charge to Protect Our Homes: Lunar New Year Spring Cleaning.” In addition to compiling and providing garbage collection schedules for the Lunar New Year period across all counties and cities, the event specially invited Professor Emeritus Hsu Erh-lieh of the Department of Entomology at National Taiwan University to share “A Complete Guide to Household Rodent Prevention: Know Your Enemy, Win Every Battle,” explaining the “three noes” of rodent prevention at home. The Peng Wan-Ru Foundation was also invited to present “Household Cleaning and Tidying Demonstrations and Precautions,” teaching the public how to make good use of various cleaning tools and timesaving, efficient cleaning methods, so that homes can be refreshed quickly and shine brightly for the new year.

To help the public easily keep track of garbage collection times during the Lunar New Year, the MOENV has compiled collection schedules for all counties and cities. Most local governments will suspend garbage collection starting from the afternoon of February 16 (Lunar New Year’s Eve), with services gradually resuming on February 20 and 21 (the fourth and fifth days of the Lunar New Year), to meet the increased waste disposal needs during the holiday period. The public may check the Environmental Management Administration (EMA) website (https://reurl.cc/O5Rl0v) or the websites of local environmental protection agencies for details. Large bulky waste such as furniture and mattresses generated during spring cleaning should be arranged in advance by contacting local environmental protection agencies or cleaning teams of district offices and handed over properly according to announced collection items and reservation times. Do not dispose of such items arbitrarily on the streets.

The MOENV reminds the public to thoroughly clear household clutter and standing water, and to implement the four dengue-prevention steps, “inspect, empty, clean, and scrub,” to eliminate mosquito breeding sources at the root. During new year cleaning, the public should strictly follow the “do not mix” principle, ensure protective measures are in place, and maintain good ventilation. This includes never mixing bleach with hydrochloric acid or citric acid, as this may produce toxic chlorine gas; drain cleaners are strongly alkaline and mixing them with acidic agents or bleach may cause explosions or splashing. Glass cleaners contain solvents and may also be toxic, so wearing masks and gloves during use is recommended. If cleaning agents accidentally come into contact with the eyes, mouth, or skin, immediately rinse with plenty of clean water and seek medical attention.

In addition, if residents are concerned about rodents entering their homes, they should first adhere to the three principles of household rodent prevention: “do not let them come, do not let them eat, do not let them live,” to ensure a rodent-free life. The ministry further explains these principles as follows: first, “do not let them come” — inspect and seal holes and gaps in the home to prevent rodent entry; second, “do not let them eat” — store food properly and keep kitchen waste bins covered and sealed; third, “do not let them live” — maintain a tidy and orderly home environment. Next, use physical control methods (such as rodent traps) and avoid using glue boards; if necessary, rodenticides may be used, placed in corners to prevent access by children and pets. Finally, seek assistance from professional pest control services when needed.

The MOENV also reminds the public that before disposing of high-pressure containers such as gas canisters and insecticide sprays, they must ensure the contents have been completely used up. These items should be packaged separately during waste sorting, clearly labeled with a warning such as “contains high-pressure container,” and handed over to recycling collection vehicles to avoid danger during garbage compression operations. If the contents have not been fully used, release them in an open area; do not puncture the containers yourself to avoid accidents. Follow the four steps of “confirm used up, pack separately, add warning label, hand over for recycling” to protect the safety of frontline sanitation workers and the public.
The MOENV also calls on households to thoroughly carry out environmental tidying and waste sorting and recycling during the Lunar New Year spring cleaning period. When seeing sanitation workers busy at work, the public is encouraged to show greater understanding and consideration. The Ethics Office of the EMA reminds everyone that during this season of gratitude, expressions of thanks should replace red envelopes as a way of conveying appreciation. A sincere “thank you” is the greatest support and recognition for frontline environmental heroes, as we work together to safeguard a clean, warm, and integrity-driven Lunar New Year environment.