NEW TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New Taipei City (新北市) reported on Wednesday (Feb. 12) that workers collected 143.6 metric tons of trash from its riverside parks (河濱公園) during the Lunar New Year holiday, with fireworks and firecracker debris accounting for about half of the waste, approximately 74.2 metric tons. Officials have expressed concerns about the environmental impact and safety hazards posed by unauthorized firecracker use.
The New Taipei City High Riverbank Construction Management Office (新北市政府高灘地工程管理處) has urged the public to refrain from setting off firecrackers illegally, warning that such actions could ignite grass fires and lead to fines of up to NT$150,000.
The city has designated eight areas within the parks as zones for firecracker use, yet security personnel have had to intervene to stop unauthorized activity and assist in extinguishing small fires.
The riverside parks boast Taiwan's longest cycling path, stretching 210 kilometers, offering visitors a chance to enjoy nature while biking. However, the holiday left behind not only tourist-generated waste but also a significant amount of firecracker debris, keeping cleaning crews busy. The office has called on visitors to take their trash and firecracker remnants with them to help preserve the park's environment and scenery.