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Waste Collection Safety Tips

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Safety tips for Edmonton residents on how to properly set out their garbage to help make garbage collectors' jobs safer and easier.

Used personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes face masks and gloves, cannot be recycled. Safely dispose of used PPE in a black bag with other landfill waste and make sure it’s securely tied off. This will help protect our crews when they are collecting and processing your waste.

The situation with COVID-19 is rapidly changing, as is the City of Edmonton’s response to the pandemic. At this time, the City is continuing to collect waste as normal.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

Our top priority is the health and safety of our collectors and residents. Please do your part to ensure our collectors can continue to safely pick up your waste.

  • Make sure all recycling and garbage is securely bagged.
  • Please do not approach your collector to show your appreciation. Thank your collector by bagging your waste properly, leaving a note or waving from an appropriate distance. 

The City of Edmonton is also taking steps to keep collectors and residents safe, including:

  • Implementing physical distancing requirements of 2 metres
  • Promoting frequent hand washing and sanitizing
  • Communicating via cell phone and two-way radio rather than face-to-face

Help our Collectors Stay Safe in the Summer

The summer months can present a few safety hazards for our collectors. Please do your part to help keep them safe!

  • Keep it light. Each bag should weigh less than 20 kg (44 lb).
  • Make your waste accessible. Place garbage and recycling bags as close to the street or alley as possible; avoid placing waste on top of or behind dirt piles.
  • Box and label sharps, including glass, nails and metal scraps. Learn about safe needle disposal.
  • If you have front street collection, park your vehicle off the street on collection day, if possible.
  • Use the right can. The Waste Bylaw requires that cans be less than 100 litres and have fixed, non-swiveling handles. 
  • Use the WasteWise app to properly sort your waste. Large items and household hazardous waste belong at an Eco Station. 
  • Clean up fallen fruit from your yard, keep your collection area tidy and ensure garbage cans are completely closed and bags tied to avoid attracting wasps.
  • Remove wasp nests from your collection area. Consider placing an artificial wasp nest in the area to discourage wasps from building a nest there.
  • Trim branches near your collection area, but be mindful of when it's safe to trim branches (usually November to March). Learn more at edmonton.ca/dutchelm.
  • Tie your branches and brush into small bundles no more than 1.2 m (4 ft) in length, and weighing no more than you can easily lift.

For More Information

Telephone

In Edmonton: 311

Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Email wasteman@edmonton.ca

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