How to safely dispose of PPE
As the global COVID-19 pandemic continues, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and rapid antigen tests are frequently used by many citizens in their day-to-day life. To help ensure waste collection runs smoothly, the City of Vaughan is here to remind everyone of how to properly and safely dispose of PPE and rapid antigen test kits.
PPE
All masks, gloves and wipes belong in the garbage. Blue boxes with these items will not be picked up by waste collectors. Recycling materials are sorted by hand in York Region; when these items are placed with recycling, it puts workers in direct contact with items potentially contaminated with the COVID-19 virus. Tissues, paper towels and napkins go in the green bin.
Rapid antigen test kits
Have you recently used a rapid antigen test at home? Even though they are plastic, these cassettes and swab samples belong in the garbage. Help protect Vaughan’s waste collectors by securely bagging and tying these items before placing them in your garbage bin.
Still unsure about what waste items go where? Download the City’s waste reduction app, Recycle Coach, through the Apple App Store or Google Play to help. The app also provides waste-less tips and a personalized collection schedule with optional alerts on what to put at the curb each week. All materials must be set out by 7 a.m. on collection day. Crews will not return for a missed collection.
Winter waste placement
As winter continues, remember that waste materials must be kept off roads and snowbanks. Clear a space at the curb for your waste bins, and where possible, ensure they are set out approximately one metre from the curb on the right side of the driveway when facing the home.
Need a new blue box or green bin? You can purchase blue boxes and green bins in person at select community centres. Alternatively, purchase these items online through Service Vaughan and have them delivered right to your door. You can also sign up to exchange a broken City-issued blue box or green bin for a new one at vaughan.ca/ServiceVaughan.
For more information on waste services in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/waste.
For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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