Sanitation workers collected 2,268tons of fireworks debris in downtown Beijing Monday, the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year and the most important festival in China.
Sources with the Beijing Municipal Administration Commission said more than 10,000 sanitation workers were at work Sunday night and Monday morning to collect tattered red-paper cardboard casings from spent fireworks on the streets.
"Beijingers have apparently lit up more fireworks this year -- the debris we collected was 168 tons more than last year," said Zhang Zhiqiang, operation manager of Beijing Environment Sanitation Engineering Group Co., Ltd.
Fireworks are part of traditional celebrations marking the Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, a big day for family reunions.
Since Beijing lifted a 13-year ban in 2006, fireworks have made a loud return to the city. This year in particular, citizens are enthusiastic about purchasing fancy fireworks, including the miniature versions of the dazzling fireworks ignited at the Beijing Olympic opening ceremony on August 8.