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 operators in mind when they set out their waste for curbside collection.

“We have had a couple close calls recently — waste collection operators can be severely injured when collecting a garbage bag containing pieces of broken glass, unwanted hypodermic needles, syringes or broken porcelain,” said Craig Bartlett, Manager of Waste Operations. “For the protection of the operators, all waste set out for collection must be in compliance with the Region’s Waste Management By-law, or else residents could be fined.”

When setting out broken glass or porcelain, please:

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

“Sharps” are objects that can cut skin and come in contact with bodily fluids, such as hypodermic needles, syringes, EpiPens or lancets. 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.
• Sharps must never be disposed of in the garbage or recycling.

Please note: Garbage collection for Oshawa and Whitby residents is the responsibility of the individual municipalities, rather than the Region of Durham. These residents are asked to check their waste calendars, or contact their local municipality, regarding the proper disposal of broken glass, broken porcelain and sharps.

For more information on the proper disposal of waste, the Region’s Waste Management By-law, or for the locations of Durham Region’s Waste Management Facilities, please visit durham.ca/Waste, email waste@durham.ca, call 1-800-667-5671 or download the Durham Region Waste App.

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 For more information, please contact Corporate Communications.