Protect waste collection workers from broken glass, syringes and sharp objects

Whitby, Ontario – The Regional Municipality of Durham, Works Department is reminding residents to keep the health and safety of waste collection workers in mind when they set out their waste for curbside collection.

By following a few simple steps, residents can help prevent injury for waste collection workers when collecting medical sharps, broken glass or broken porcelain.

To dispose of broken glass or porcelain:

• Separate broken glass from other waste.
• Seal broken glass inside a securely taped cardboard box.
• Mark the box as Glass in large, bold letters.

Medical sharps are objects that can cut skin and come in contact with bodily fluids, such as hypodermic needles, syringes, EpiPens or lancets. Sharps must never be disposed of in the garbage, blue box or green bin.

To properly dispose of these items:

• Take back used sharps to a local pharmacy free of charge.
• Sharps must be returned in an approved sharps container. Containers are distributed free of charge at local pharmacies.
• Visit HealthSteward.ca to find a participating pharmacy.

Visit the Region’s YouTube channel to watch our Being safe with broken glass and porcelain video, and our Being Safe with medical sharps video.

Residents are encouraged to download the Durham Region Waste and Whitby Waste Buddy Apps to access waste management information.

The Durham Region Waste and Whitby Waste Buddy Apps provide residents with customized collection schedules, reminders about collection days, Know Before You Throw search tool and service alerts. Available on Google Play or in the App Store. Free to download.

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