The days off for Typhoon Krathon incidentally triggered a garbage accumulation crisis throughout Taiwan. In response to public complaints, sanitation workers from various counties and cities have had to put in overtime to collect garbage and assist in disaster cleanup efforts. Environment Minister Peng Chi-Ming (彭啓明) confirmed on Monday that communication with county and city governments is ongoing to assess each area's needs for support.
Southern Taiwan bore the brunt of the storm, with toppled trees, damaged roads, and other debris impeding disaster recovery efforts. As garbage collection was paused during the typhoon days, citizens were also piling trash onto the streets. Legislators called on the Environment Ministry to provide overtime subsidies and other rewards for cleanup crews who work overtime in the aftermath of the storm to restore the environment.
KMT legislator Su Ching-chuan (蘇清泉) asked whether the NT$10,000 (US$311) bonus cap would be further raised given the overtime work needed. In response, Environmental Management Administration Director General Yen Hsu-ming (顏旭明) explained that the bonus is based on a consensus between local governments and the sanitation unions, which will also depend on financial capabilities. He said the Environment Ministry is prepared to fill any funding gaps should county and city offices with smaller budgets require assistance.