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 \u201cLeading the Charge to Protect Our Homes: Lunar New Year Spring Cleaning.\u201d 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 \u201cA Complete Guide to Household Rodent Prevention: Know Your Enemy, Win Every Battle,\u201d explaining the \u201cthree noes\u201d of rodent prevention at home. The Peng Wan-Ru Foundation was also invited to present \u201cHousehold Cleaning and Tidying Demonstrations and Precautions,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The MOENV reminds the public to thoroughly clear household clutter and standing water, and to implement the four dengue-prevention steps, \u201cinspect, empty, clean, and scrub,\u201d to eliminate mosquito breeding sources at the root. During new year cleaning, the public should strictly follow the \u201cdo not mix\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
In addition, if residents are concerned about rodents entering their homes, they should first adhere to the three principles of household rodent prevention: \u201cdo not let them come, do not let them eat, do not let them live,\u201d to ensure a rodent-free life. The ministry further explains these principles as follows: first, \u201cdo not let them come\u201d \u2014 inspect and seal holes and gaps in the home to prevent rodent entry; second, \u201cdo not let them eat\u201d \u2014 store food properly and keep kitchen waste bins covered and sealed; third, \u201cdo not let them live\u201d \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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 \u201ccontains high-pressure container,\u201d 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 \u201cconfirm used up, pack separately, add warning label, hand over for recycling\u201d to protect the safety of frontline sanitation workers and the public.
\nThe 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 \u201cthank you\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/www.moenv.gov.tw\/en\/news\/press-releases\/35091.html<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 \u201cLeading the Charge to Protect Our Homes: Lunar New Year Spring Cleaning.\u201d In addition to compiling and providing garbage collection schedules for the Lunar New Year period across all counties … <\/p>\n