Opinion of the National Reference Centre for Soil and Waste Hygiene on the prevention of infection in workers handling waste contaminated or potentially contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 causing COVID-19
In response to questions and recommendations from the CAObH and other stakeholders, the State Institute of Health has issued recommendations regarding the management of infectious and potentially infectious waste from citizens, hospitals and businesses. So how should we manage, for example, drapes? In general, waste can only be disposed of in mixed municipal waste, but under stricter conditions. It is essential to put drapes or tissues in thick or double plastic bags, tie them securely and then put them in the black bin for mixed municipal waste.
This waste is defined as hazardous and workers handling the waste are required to wear appropriate PPE, including goggles and face shields. For this reason, we continue to urge government authorities to include waste handlers, in addition to health care workers and others, in priority groups for equipping with this protective equipment.
The document, which also regulates the rules of waste management by health care workers or waste management companies, can be found on the SZU website here.
