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Waste Reduction News
Welcome to our May 2020 Newsletter
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COVID-19 and CVWMA Collections
A Message from Our Executive Director
As COVID-19 continues to disrupt our lives, the removal of trash and recyclables remains essential services for public health and safety. With more people staying at home due to stay-at-home orders, many are busy spring cleaning, and the result is bigger piles of trash and recyclables at the curb as well at local convenience centers within all our 13 member localities. Some have recorded 20% to 25% increases in the overall waste generated since March. Landfills have seen major increases in residential drop-offs, and the facilities that process recycled materials have had a buildup of work while encountering some labor shortages. It’s a huge burden on the waste collections systems and the added waste is also putting waste and recycling collection workers at great safety risk.
Consider spring cleaning in stages. Many residential collections and drop-off locations for bulky items are currently closed or suspended until further notice. So, while cleaning and organizing, have a plan for where you can store items at home that you no longer need or want until these resources are back open.
We are grateful to the collectors for continuing to service us at this time. And, we do not want to overwhelm the system or essential personnel.
We need you to minimize your waste. Read our tips below as we want everyone to be safe and healthy.
Kim Hynes, Executive Director
CVWMA
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Tips to Minimize Waste
We are all in this together. Please review tips below and share them with family and friends.
- Do not set extra bags outside the cart. They will not be collected.
- Keep your spring-cleaning pile in the basement, attic or garage.
- Flatten cardboard boxes to create more room in the recycling cart.
- Grass cycle lawn clippings.
- Make sure all trash is in a bag, securely closed in trash container.
- No plastic bags or plastic bagged recyclables in recycling containers, make sure recyclables are empty, clean and dry. Recycle accepted items only.
- Dispose of used wipes, tissues, and paper towels in trash bags that are tied shut and placed inside trash containers for disposal.
- Never dispose of disposable wipes, paper towels, rags and similar items in the toilet — these items damage sewer systems to the point of system failures and potential backups.
- Don’t litter — when outside the home, properly dispose of masks, gloves, wipes and other items in the trash.
For more safety tips, click here.
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ICYMI. Bulk Waste Collections Suspended
Due to COVID-19, all curbside bulk waste collections have been suspended in cities of Colonial Heights , Hopewell , and Petersburg until further notice. Each locality offers new disposal options for its residents.
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Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Repeat.
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