Waste products may transmit virus

ONE route of coronavirus transmission being overlooked by many is Covid-19 waste.

It could be on rubbish bins, contaminated packaging such as plastics and cardboards, or hygiene-related items such as masks, tissues and gloves, according to the Sustainable Seas Trust (SST).

The UN Environmental Programme and various NGOs are attempting to raise awareness of how we can stop the spread of Covid-19 in South Africa through careful waste disposal.

The UN mounted a “strong and urgent” initiative to launch environmental education and communication programmes to stop the virus from being transmitted through waste material, according to a SST statement.

The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Plastics SA, SST and others are calling for responsible waste disposal practices.

“Improper management of healthcare waste poses serious harm to the environment and human health,” said UN resident co-ordinator for South Africa, Nardos Bekele-Thomas.

The immediate environment of an infected individual can serve as a source of transmission as droplets may land on surfaces or objects where the virus could remain infectious, according to the World Health Organization.

The SST is aiming to provide information through educational packages, including video, and will communicate clear guidelines of what to do in different circumstances to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“There’s a high probability of most viruses dying within three days on most surfaces. Then there are other reports of viruses staying ‘active’ for seven, nine or more than 20 days in exceptional circumstances,” said the trust’s chief executive, Anthony Ribbink.

Ribbink added that viruses survive longer on certain surfaces.

“Until there is conclusive proof, always consider that the virus on a contaminated surface can survive for five days,” he said.

Plastics SA will focus on assisting the waste collectors sector financially during lockdown, including those who are unable to earn an income from collected recyclables.

The plastic and packaging industry and partners recently raised R780 000 towards vouchers which waste collectors could redeem for groceries.

“We’ve taken it upon ourselves to educate and create awareness among our learners who do training at our premises, with strict protocols in place,” said Plastics SA executive director Anton Hanekom.

“It’s important that people who have the virus keep the waste for at least five days before disposing of it in the usual waste removal system. Sanitise all handles of dustbins and packets before and after disposing of the waste,” said Hanekom.

A government forum co-ordinated by the Department of Health on the management of Covid-19 assisted the programme to conceptualise the initiative. It also made contributions by purchasing personal protective equipment for waste pickers.