The City of Richmond says that the littering of masks, gloves and sanitary wipes is “unacceptable.”
“There is a serious issue with used masks, single-use gloves and wipes being littered and improperly disposed in Richmond,” reads a release from the city.
“This is unacceptable. We need to do better as a community.”
The items should be placed in plastic bags – which are then tied securely so there are no loose items – and put in the garbage.
Those items should not be placed in recycling bins.
“You are placing others at risk by not properly disposing of items that could be contaminated, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” reads the city release.
“You have an important role to be responsible and courteous to others in the community, especially our waste collection front-line workers, by disposing of these materials properly. Do your part to keep others safe.”
The city says that, if you are out in the community, “do not (sic.) litter.” Instead, throw the used masks, gloves or wipes in a garbage can, or carry a plastic bag with you, put them in the bag and then in the garbage.
The sight of dirty, germ-infested face masks and rubber gloves strewn throughout parks, alongside roads, and outside grocery stores is something many Richmond residents have taken issue with, expressing their disgust on social media.
Anyone caught littering could face a “hefty” bylaw fine, according to the release.
