More masks, gloves and wipes in P.E.I.'s garbage, IWMC says

Island Waste Management Corporationsays it's seeing more COVID-19-related waste lately.

An increase in items like gloves, masks and sanitary wipes has the corporation's CEOreminding Islanders that all of that material has a proper place,and it's not in the compost bin, recycling bag or toilet.

"Basically, everything goes in the waste stream. So that would include things like rubber gloves, masks, as well as sanitary wipes," said Gerry Moore.

"I know I'd be remiss if I didn't remind people that wipes should go in the waste as well. Some people have been flushing those into municipal sewer systems and/or, you know, their own septic system. And those materials don't break down well and are not really wise to flush."

As more public spaces and businesses on P.E.I.require customers to wear masks while indoors, along with the Chief Public Health Office's strong recommendation that masks be worn when physical distancing can't be maintained, more Islanders might be reaching for a disposable mask these days.

'Reusable is always better'

Moore said while there is a time and place for disposable masks, he wants Islanders to consider usingreusable ones if possible, to keep single-use masksfrom piling up in the waste stream.

"If everybody has a disposable mask and there's 150,000 or 160,000 people a day using them, there's 150,000 or 160,000 masks. So it does add up," he said.

"Anything reusable is always better as far as generating waste."

ButMoore said he understands that in some situations it might be necessary to use a disposable mask.

Other ways to help

Moore said Islanders can do other things to help Island Waste Management Corporation staff.

He said people can take their carts out to the curb wearing gloves, and be sure to keep their distance from employees who are doing the collection.

"Also from time to time, if you can disinfect the handle of your cart with some sanitary wipes, we would encourage doing that just as a precautionary measure," he said.

If anyone in your household has been diagnosed with the virus, Moore said people should make sure their garbage and compost are properly sorted, bagged and put into the cart, not left loose inside just as an added layer of protection.

City has not noticed a rise

The city of Charlottetown said it hasn't noticed an increase in COVID-19 waste or litter in the city itself.

"Citizens and visitors have been very respectful to ensure proper disposal of their waste, including masks and gloves," Scott Adams, the city's manager of public works, said in a statement.

"The street sweepers use protective gloves and grabbers when picking up waste, so they are not in close personal contact."

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