TAOYUAN (TVBS News) — Garbage collectors in Taoyuan City who worked overtime during the Lunar New Year holiday received unexpected bonuses this year, totaling over NT＄156,000 in cash gifts from citizens.
Despite communicating they only accepted garbage and not red envelopes traditionally given during the New Year, the city's cleanup teams still found themselves bestowed with cash gifts and presents.
These were tokens of appreciation from citizens recognizing the hard work the workers put in, especially during holidays. The red envelopes that could not be returned added up to over NT＄156,000.
However, these unanticipated gifts won't be kept by the workers. Taoyuan City's Department of Environmental Protection announced it would donate the entire amount to local social welfare institutions.
Standing firm on their campaign that garbage collection is a normal part of a cleaner's job, the department urged the public not to gift presents or cash. They also reminded citizens to participate in proper waste segregation and to maintain an environment-friendly lifestyle as a part of their daily habits.