Use ’yellow bags’ to dispose COVID-19 waste: Waste Management Authority

Those who are undergoing self-quarantine at home due to COVID-19 concerns are urged by the Western Provincial Waste Management Authority to dispose sanitary waste into bags in yellow colour.

Its Director Nalin Mannapperuma said the risk of cleaning staff and waste collectors being exposed to the virus will be minimized when sanitary waste disposed separately from places where people undergo quarantine.

He also advised the public to keep such separated yellow coloured waste bags inside the houses for fourteen days before leaving them outside for the waste trucks to collect.

Mr. Mannapperuma said such sanitary waste may include papers, napkins, gloves, masks and other items used by those who are being quarantined.

“The spread of the virus can be minimized by segregating COVID-19 waste. As an option, such sanitary waste can be carefully burnt in a spacious place in the home garden,” he said.

He said that local government bodies should pay more attention to the methods of garbage disposal as well as the health of the employees who collect garbage. (Rekha Tharangani Fonseka)