The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) urges the public to take necessary steps to protect sanitation workers from coming into contact with potentially contaminated items. Solid waste collection is a critical and essential job as part of the response to the Coronavirus pandemic. The men and women working in the waste and recycling industry are on the frontlines protecting human health and the environment.

“The sanitation department and hauler employees collecting waste and recycling are working under very challenging conditions due to increased residential volumes and concerns over exposure to COVID-19 in material placed at the curb,” stated David Biderman, SWANA Executive Director and CEO. “We urge citizens to help protect these hard working employees and reduce the burden on the solid waste collection system.”

SWANA asks residents to not participate in spring cleaning at this time because of the large amounts of trash that is already being put out while people stay at home. Some communities report up to a thirty-eight percent increase in residential trash collected. In addition, workers must work even more carefully right now, sometimes with fewer people.

Read more at Waste Advantage