Residents encouraged to ‘age’ recyclables
The Logan County Solid Waste Management District is offering practical tips to keep residents and its employees safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent research has indicated that the COVID-19 virus is very sticky and it can survive much longer than originally thought on certain surfaces, Coordinator Angel Payne said. This particular virus strain reportedly can survive in the air for three hours, 24 hours on cardboard and up to three days on plastics and stainless steel.
“In the recycling world, Logan County ranks as one of the most successful rural programs in the state. In short, Logan County is awesome at recycling; however, that is a cause for concern at this unprecedented time,” the coordinator said.
“This information can be overwhelming to the recycling industry and while we cannot eliminate the risk, we can manage the risk today and in the weeks to come. Given this information and with the health and safety of our employees being our top priority, we are making changes to our recycling processing center to allow us to institute preventative measures and follow recommendations.”
Payne said the agency is still accepting recycling at all of the 16 Pay-As-You-Throw and recycling centers in the county at this time, but with a special consideration from participants.
“We are asking that residents begin the ‘aging’ process by keeping their recyclables at home for an extra day or two. We are asking that if anyone in your household has flu-like symptoms, that the quarantine include your recycling for a minimum of 14 days.
For those uncertain about the safety of their recyclables, representatives ask that residents to follow the “safe not sorry” method and place those items directly in the trash.
In addition, it is imperative for the health and safety of the employees handling the materials that all cardboard be broken down and flattened.
All recyclables dropped in containers at recycling centers should be loose materials and not in bags.
Recyclables not following these requests will be thrown away, Payne stated.
Residents also are encouraged to exercise physical distancing with their recyclables and to wear gloves, such as garden gloves or winter gloves, when handling materials. Use hand-sanitizer and practice frequent hand washing.
“These recommendations will allow us to continue to offer the recycling services that you have come to rely on,” Payne said.