Waste and recycling officials in Chatham-Kent are asking residents to be more careful with their garbage and recycling during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manager Rick Kucera said regular curbside collection will continue as scheduled but he is asking residents to use best practices when handling their trash in order to protect their neighbours and waste collectors from contracting the COVID-19 virus.
Researchers in the U.S. reported last week the novel coronavirus can survive up to 72 hours on surfaces, depending on what type of surface it is sitting on. The scientists found it lasted 72 hours on plastic, 48 hours on stainless steel, and 24 hours on cardboard.
The municipality is reminding everyone to place all used tissues and napkins in sealed bags or boxes before placing them in a toter cart. Those who don't have a toter cart must put trash in tied garbage bags and not leave it loose in boxes, garbage cans, etc. Kucera is also asking anyone who is sick to put all items that came into contact with their mouth, nose, or eyes into the tied garbage bag. That includes some blue box items such as water bottles and juice bottles.
"It is critical that material is free of contamination items like liquids, food waste and non-acceptable items," Kucera added. "Tissues, paper towel and napkins are strictly prohibited in the recycling program and these items need to be placed in a tied garbage bag or the recycling will be left uncollected."
Municipal and waste officials said using these best practices will help keep neighbours and garbage collection crews healthy during this unprecedented time.