Trash haulers change rules amid virus pandemic

To better protect the health and safety of their workers, some local waste collection companies have requested or required changes to how they collect trash and recycling at the curb.

The Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District recently compiled an overview of what the companies are requiring, regardless of what county they are operating in.

For all companies, it is important to make sure all trash is bagged and the bags are tied shut, the news release stated. Medical sharps need to be in

proper containers, usually a thick plastic bottle like a one used for laundry detergent etc., sealed shut and marked as “SHARPS.”

Recycling should be empty and loose (not bagged) in the cart or recycling bin. Only put accepted items in the recycling bin. The less sorting the workers have to do to remove non-recyclable items, the safer they are, the release stated.

Following are new policies or recommendations for some of the largest waste haulers in the area:

• Republic Services: All trash must be bagged and inside curbside carts or trash cans. Yard waste and bulky item (furniture, mattresses, etc.) pickup is suspended until further notice.

Any items outside the trash cart or garbage can will be left at the curb. For customers who do not have carted service, they will accept waste placed in bags only. Bags cannot exceed 50 pounds.

• Waste Management: All trash must be bagged and inside curbside carts or trash cans. Yard waste and bulky item (furniture, mattresses, etc.) pickup is suspended until further notice.

Any items outside the trash cart or garbage can will be left at the curb.

• Rumpke: Issued recommendations for curbside trash and recycling services. In addition to the safety requests for all haulers above, they request residents wipe down or hose out their cart/can periodically.

• Kimble Recycling & Disposal: Issued recommendations for curbside trash and recycling services. In addition to the safety requests for all haulers above, they are requesting that customers temporarily hold onto bulk items and fit all waste into the cart/can if possible.

• Sunburst Environmental Services: No changes reported to residential garbage collection services.

Community drop-off recycling sites for bottles, cans, paper, etc. will remain open to the public and will continue to be serviced on their normally scheduled days, the Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District reported.