Dorset Council is reminding residents what to do with their waste if someone in their household is showing symptoms of COVID-19 infection.
If you or someone in your household has symptoms that may be caused by COVID-19 or have received a positive COVID-19 test result, please note the following guidance: –
Cleaning cloths and personal waste such as used tissues and disposable face coverings should be stored in disposable rubbish bags. These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household waste bin or authorised blue sack. Other kinds of household waste can be disposed of as normal.
To dispose of any face coverings or PPE you or members of your household use when self- isolating, you should:
- double bag them
- store them for 72 hours before putting them in a ‘black bag’ waste bin
- never put them in a recycling bin.
You may also wish to clean the handles on your bins after and before they have been emptied.
The Recycle for Dorset kerbside scheme has been designed to minimise contact between our employees and the waste we collect but following the above guidance will further protect everyone involved during the collection process.
Household recycling centres (HRCs, or ‘the tip’) will remain open for waste that cannot be collected at the kerbside, including garden waste. We encourage residents to continue to store waste at home, where possible, to reduce pressures on these services. If you or anyone in your household is unwell, has been in contact with someone with COVID-19 symptoms and/or self-isolating, you should not make a trip to a HRC.
Waste from a household where someone is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 infection should be double-bagged and left for 72 hours before being taken to an HRC, and only if it cannot be collected at the kerbside.
You can find more information on Dorset Council’s waste services at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/coronavirus
Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services, said:
“Our waste collection crews and contractors at our household recycling centres are providing a vital service right now and it’s important that we do all we can to keep them protected during the pandemic.
“If you or anyone in your household is showing symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19, please follow the guidance and be considerate of how you dispose of your rubbish and recycling. By managing our waste carefully and considerately, we ensure that frontline employees are kept safe and services can continue without disruption.
“I want to thank all the people who are keeping our waste services going during the pandemic. I know I speak for all Dorset residents when I say how grateful we are for your continuing efforts to support our communities during these difficult times.”
