Waste disposal guidelines 

Waste-disposal guidelines for residents to help protect collectors and the wider public from the risk of spreading COVID-19. 

“Please protect your collector. Do NOT place used tissues and napkins in the Green Bin – these items often become wind-blown when the collector opens the lid or when emptying the bin into the truck. Review the other guidelines below with your household so everyone knows how to safely handle waste,” says Heather Roberts, Director, Solid Waste Services.

Roberts wishes to emphasize that these guidelines are being put in place as a precautionary measure to protect the health of collectors who each handle thousands of receptacles a week. Proper disposal of potentially contaminated items is also a good safeguard to have in place to protect the general public before the pandemic reaches Kingston. 

Guidelines for safe waste disposal during global COVID-19 pandemic: 

• Place used tissues and napkins in the garbage. Wash your hands afterwards. 

• Use liners for food waste placed in the Green Bin. (Use paper or compostable liners as outlined on the Green Bin page.) 

• Bag all waste. Do not place waste loosely in garbage containers 

• If you’re sick: place ANY item that has come into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage – even items that you normally place into your Blue or Grey box (eg. water/beverage bottles, pop cans, milk/juice cartons, etc.).