The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) sent a letter to city managers with a poster for local governments to share with communities to help protect waste and recycling collection workers from COVID-19. The poster illustrates best practices such as bagging waste and keeping recyclables loose, putting all material in carts and bins and maintaining social distance from the workers.
“Based on current knowledge, we are not dealing with a true airborne hazard. Droplets quickly fall to the ground or other surfaces where they remain. Touching waste and then touching one’s face is the real hazard, and our people are wearing gloves and washing hands often,” said NWRA President and CEO Dr. Darrell Smith, a certified industrial hygienist, in a statement. “We appreciate the support of the public as waste collectors continue to work during this global health crisis.”
NWRA recognizes that waste collection workers are on the frontlines and is committed to making sure that they have the resources to do their jobs safely.
