The coronavirus pandemic known as COVID-19 has created numerous questions and issues. And these include junk and waste removal practices.
Fortunately, according most state guidelines, junk and waste removal is included as an essential business function and service. But what has changed?
Keeping Junk and Waste Safe - And Sanitary
The services we provide at Junk King are considered essential by the government, as we noted in a previous blog post here.
But is it safe?
This is a valid question given many of the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 coronavirus. However, the good news is that the overall management of wastes can continue as before with just a few commonsense added practices.
For example, information provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment recommends that care should be taken to limit direct exposure to waste using best management practices.
This means that waste and recyclable material handlers and haulers should wear personal protective equipment including gloves and eye protection while handling solid wastes. At home or at work, anyone handling waste such as garbage and trash, should consider wearing gloves, as well.
In addition, waste handlers should follow manufacture recommendations for disinfecting reusable personal protective equipment. A list of disinfectants approved by the US EPA can be found here.
Healthcare facilities should continue to handle infectious waste in accordance with medical waste management procedures.
Since there are no indications that the presence of COVID-19 at a healthcare facility will create new infectious waste streams requiring special handling, hospital waste such as disinfecting wipes, personal protective equipment, or disposable foodware can continue to be disposed of as solid waste in the trash.
Households, businesses and healthcare facilities should bag and tie all non-recyclable wastes from before placing them in trash receptacles.
All of these wastes can and should be disposed of in solid waste landfill facilities that are permitted to accept municipal solid waste.
Keeping Your Space Safe - And Sanitary
Because of the obvious threat of infection, everyday sanitation practices should be observed along with additional steps. These include regular and periodic cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, high-touch points such as doorknobs, handles and light switches.
Consider removing trash and garbage from your home or work space more frequently and regularly disinfecting trash cans and receptacles.
If anyone at home or at work is sick, it is best to bag and remove tissues and other waste materials as quickly and often as possible.
For more in-depth guidance and information regarding personal and work waste management practices, see the resources found at the following links:
- Center for Disease Control guidance for businesses and employers
- Guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID 19
- Solid Waste and Wastewater Management Workers and Employees
In addition to these resources, there is information available for those who do have a household member with the coronavirus at home. That can be found at this CDC webpage entitled:
Taking Care of Yourself During the Pandemic
We understand that the need for junk and waste removal will continue throughout the current coronavirus pandemic.
However, along with best practices for safe and sanitary junk and garbage disposal, you need to take care of yourself and your loved ones, and avoid the risk of spreading the virus.
Here are some handy tips for doing just that:
Your Safe Choice for Junk and Waste Removal
Junk King continues to provide efficient, safe and eco-friendly junk and waste removal services so you don’t need to worry about the pick up or disposal of debris, trash and junk - especially after you're done cleaning and disinfecting.
Whether you need our services several times during a cleaning project or just once after it is complete, our hauling professionals will ensure that the garbage and junk is out of your way so that you can get on with your work - or play!
We can be at your home or office in mere minutes, so call us today! Our crew is fully insured and well-trained, so you can trust them to get rid of your unwanted items in a professional and courteous fashion.
One of the best things about hiring Junk King is that we recycle a much of the material we pick-up. This is proof of our commitment to being an eco-friendly removal service. If you have questions about what we do or what we believe, give us a call at 1-888-888-JUNK (5865).
