The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that everyone wear face coverings when in public. You may have noticed many people are wearing disposable or single-use masks and gloves. Unfortunately, these items are not being correctly being discarded and it could be harmful to others.
“We have been seeing more and more wipes, gloves, and other related items on streets and walking trails, or being left behind near supermarkets and pharmacies,” said Alanna McKissack, Executive Director of Keep Knoxville Beautiful.
“The basic rules for proper trash disposal are taking on greater importance, given the COVID-19 virus, she said. “These materials are being used to protect us from possible contamination from COVID-19. If they are not disposed of properly, we are risking the spread of this life-threatening virus.”
When carrying your own wipes, gloves, or masks, make sure to properly dispose of the used items in the trash or you can keep a bag inside your vehicle to place the items in to dispose of them at home. Officials are also directing people to throw used disposable masks in the trash because they cannot be recycled.
“No one wants to spread the disease, so we must be careful to properly dispose of these materials,” McKissack said. She also discouraged people from picking up wipes or gloves they see littered, because they could be contaminated. “If you used the PPE, it’s your responsibility to dispose of it,” she said.
You can read more about ‘Keep Knoxville Beautiful’ HERE.
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