COVID-19 Update: Excess Trash Unexpected Consequence of Pandemic

April 29, 2020

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.

 

 

Latest Articles

A Clean Work Environment Starts From the Ground Up
June 6, 2025 Ed Quinlan

A Clean Work Environment Starts From the Ground Up

June 4, 2025 Katie Koebel

Sound Off on Hearing Protection

June 2, 2025 Jeffrey Prue

Keep the Lines of Communication Open for BSC Staffing Success

Sponsored Articles

U.S. Battery Brings  100-Years of Cleaning Power
May 22, 2025 Sponsored by U.S. BATTERY

U.S. Battery Brings 100-Years of Cleaning Power

May 22, 2025 Sponsored by IPC NORTH AMERICA

The Dirt on Floor Care: Facility Manager’s Guide

May 22, 2025 Sponsored by SPARTAN CHEMICAL CO.

Spartan Compliance with Regulations for PFAS in Floor Finishes

Recent News

insects, bugs, bedbugs, pests

Bed Bug Awareness Week Offers Inspection & Prevention Tips for Hotels

CDC Updates Measles Travel Warning Amid Spread in Airplane

Busy US Hurricane Season Expected