The Waste and Recycling Services department for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent had issued an update amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Waste and Recycling Services officials said regular curbside collection will continue as scheduled.
“Chatham-Kent is asking residents to follow best practises in terms of how they handle their garbage in order to eliminate litter and more importantly protect neighbours and waste collection workers from contracting COVID-19,” Waste and Recycling Services officials said in a media release.
“The Municipality is reminding everyone to place all used tissues and napkins in sealed bags or boxes before placing them in a toter cart. For those that do not have a toter cart, please ensure all garbage is placed in tied garbage bags rather than leaving it loose in boxes, garbage cans etc.”
Anyone who is sick should put all items that came in contact with their mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage, Waste and Recycling Services officials added.
“That includes some blue box items such as water bottles and juice bottles etc.,” Waste and Recycling Services officials say.
“It is critical that material is free of contamination items like liquids, food waste and non-acceptable items. 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 Connections officials say this will help keep neighbours and garbage collection crews healthy.
“Remember that collection crews handle thousands of toter carts, bags and recycling boxes every week,” Waste and Recycling Services officials added.
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 as a pandemic on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Details, here.
For a list of local cancellations, postponement and further updates, click here.
