COVID-19 Update: Excess Trash Unexpected Consequence of Pandemic

As people shelter in home during the coronavirus pandemic, many are passing the time cleaning and organizing. The result of all this cleaning is bigger piles of trash and recycling come garbage pickup day.

Waste and recycling collections are under strain in all jurisdictions of Northern Virginia, WTOP-TV reports. An environmental planner from the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NOVA) revealed some jurisdictions have recorded 30% to 40% increases in overall waste since stay-at-home orders were put in place in the state. This excess trash has been a large burden on the state’s waste collections systems.

Landfills have also seen large increases in residential drop-offs. Meanwhile, facilities that process recyclable materials have had to contend with a buildup of work while encountering labor shortages.

This abundance of trash puts waste and recycling collection workers at a safety risk. NOVA is encouraging residents to minimize their waste by following several tips:

• Do not set extra bags outside your trash or recycling container.
• Keep your spring-cleaning pile in the basement, attic, or garage then set it out for pickup gradually.
• Flatten cardboard boxes to create more room in the recycling container.
• Make sure all trash is in a securely closed bag, especially used wipes, tissues, and paper towels.
• Make sure recyclables are empty, clean and dry. Check with your county, city, or town for what to include in recycling.
• Never throw disposable wipes, paper towels, rags, and similar items in the toilet—these items damage sewer systems to the point of system failures and potential backups.
• When away from home, properly dispose of masks, gloves, wipes, and other items in the trash.