Based on the latest Coronavirus information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are health implications for all of us, even those of us working in the solid waste and recycling industry,” says South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) Director Patrick Peck. “We all need to do what we can to limit the spread of this virus.”
The CDC states on its website that the COVID-19 virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person. Specifically, it is thought to spread between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Additionally, it is thought to spread from respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These details can be found on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/
As a result, the SCSWA is adjusting operations that will affect employees and may affect customers who would normally visit the Transfer Stations to dispose of their trash. “We are following the recommendations from the CDC to avoid contact with each other by keeping a six (6) foot separation from each other,” notes Peck.
Peck stresses: “In the solid waste industry our main mission is to protect the health and welfare of our communities, so our emphasis during this outbreak will be to ensure that residential and commercial waste collection and disposal is operating as close to normal as possible.”
“If you can delay bringing your residential trash or recycling to one of our transfer stations right now, please delay, in order to avoid contact with our employees and other members of the public,” says Peck. “Within our agency, we are wiping down and sanitizing commonly touched items before and after each use, such as door handles, faucets, timeclocks and countertops.”
Peck adds: “If the local coronavirus (COVID-19) situation worsens, the SCSWA may need to reassess the situation. If is it is determined necessary for the continued operation of our waste system, we may need to possibly restrict public access to our facilities.”
As the virus continues to spread, inevitably the SCSWA will begin to receive decontamination and /or disinfection waste, and has protocols in place to handle the waste safely and effectively.
If SCSWA employees become ill, it may affect services the SCSWA can provide, so we will be providing updates through the local media as well as on our website www.SCSWA.net and through social media.
The South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) manages solid waste and recyclables for residents and businesses throughout Doña Ana County. Questions? Contact the SCSWA at (575) 528-3800 or visit www.SCSWA.net