The City of Kingston is asking residents to help protect collectors – who each handle thousands of recycling receptacles a week – and the wider public from the risk of possibly spreading COVID-19 by instituting safe waste-disposal practices for potentially contaminated items.
“Please protect your collector. Do NOT place used tissues and napkins in the Green Bin – these items often become wind-blown when the collector opens the lid or when emptying the bin into the truck,” said Heather Roberts, Director, Solid Waste Services in a release. “Review the other guidelines below with your household so everyone knows how to safely handle waste,”
Guidelines recommended for safe waste disposal during global COVID-19 pandemic:
- Place used tissues and napkins in the garbage. Wash your hands afterwards.
- Use liners for food waste placed in the Green Bin.
- Bag all waste. Do not place waste loosely in garbage containers
- If you’re sick: place ANY item that has come into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage – even items that you normally place into your Blue or Grey box (eg. water/beverage bottles, pop cans, milk/juice cartons, etc.).
Protect your collector #ygk! Practice safe waste-disposal guidelines during COVID-19 pandemic. Review them now here: https://t.co/8IN4qnWYyD pic.twitter.com/QiB9vgMauE
— City of Kingston (@cityofkingston) March 16, 2020
Related: Stay up-to-date with the City’s COVID-19 Precautions page and find answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 on the KFL&A Public Health’s site.
Image – video screencap: City of Kingston
