Sanitation workers on front line of crisis

Sanitation workers are one of our more valuable assets to keeping our communities clean and green.

Dealing with all the trash society produces is a dirty and dangerous job even in normal times. During a global health pandemic, it gets even riskier. According to USA Today, refuse and recyclable material collectors is No. 5 on the Top 25 most dangerous jobs list.

Garbage collectors and other sanitation workers are selfless in their desire to perform an essential service despite the potential high risks to themselves.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, each person in the United States produces an average of 4.5 pounds of solid waste every day. During quarantine conditions, this number is likely to double.

This means heavier loads as well as the potential for exposure to COVID-19 contaminated trash. A single worker on a residential route comes in contact with the garbage of hundreds of different individuals each day.

Some ways that you can help our sanitation workers stay safe while they continue to provide essential services are:

Use soap and water or an alcohol-based cleaning product to wash off the handles and lids of all trash and recycling bins that are physically picked up by

sanitation workers. Ensure that bins and bags are closed and sealed properly, rinse off and wipe down bottles, cans and other recyclables that you put into bins. Keep to the rules outlined by your local sanitation department and only place proper waste and recycling materials in the proper bins. Not only do sanitation workers run a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and other deadly diseases, they also are subject to weather-related injuries, such as falls from wet or slick surfaces, injuries resulting from hazmat materials, such as battery acid to bleach, from pesticides to hypodermic needles.