Managing Waste During COVID 19 & in These Times – York PA

Managing Waste During COVID19 and in These Times

Junk removal has undergone some major changes over the last 6 months. There is a concern from local authorities and experts in this field that junk clean up and recycling has moved backward from where it was before Covid-19.

Much of their concern is justified, in that, much more plastic waste has been generated during these past few months with much of it finding its way into landfill sites and incinerators as recycling efforts have been disrupted. The other reason is that the distribution of waste generated has changed with more people staying at home and not commuting to work, so more trash has been generated in residential areas. Trash removal services have been disrupted by staff being ill, even though these services are labeled as an essential service.

At Little Green Junk we are a private, trash removal company providing a backup service to the regular waste removal by the local authorities. We have continued to operate as normally as possible, while adapting to the changes that are occurring in the field of trash removal. 

How Have Conditions Changed?

• Travel restrictions and border closures imposed on local and international travel have led to a decline in the use of fuels. This has reduced carbon emissions and air pollution which has had a positive influence on our environment.
• With so many people being on some form of lockdown for months on end, our patterns of working and studying have changed. We realize that working remotely is possible meaning that we no longer need to live within commuting distance of our workplace. Our lifestyle habits of working, shopping, and eating out are undergoing a change. 
• Some areas have seen a reduction in the prices of city apartments as the lockdown has made people more appreciative of the countryside where the property prices are on the increase.

This lockdown has resulted in increased pressure on the local authorities in outlying areas, as more trash has been generated. Private waste removal companies such as Little Green Junk are able to provide assistance if the local authorities need it. 

In the urban centers, fewer people at work has meant less rubbish to be picked up. With employers realizing that not all their employees have to be at work but can work from home successfully, this may be the new way of doing business and cutting down on office space. 

What has Changed in Waste Management?

Many of the recycling and anti-plastic efforts that were in place before Covid-19 have been stopped because of the execution of the preventative practices that are now in place to stop transmission of the virus. The changing waste patterns and staff shortages at waste removal sites has unfortunately led to greater environmental pollution in our neighborhoods.

Large volumes of medical waste such as single use gloves and masks are found dumped in parks, streets, and other public places as these are not disposed of responsibly.

All businesses have been required to put these preventative practices in place, whether they are associated with healthcare or not. The use of PPE, sanitization and social distancing is now a requirement for our offices, shops, restaurants, and bars, with strict penalties for non-compliance.

There are rules for the safe disposal of PPE which should be incinerated to prevent the transmission of any pathogens to staff and customers. Trash removal companies have to follow procedures to keep their staff safe.  

What Tips Can We Give for Managing Waste During COVID? 

As far as waste handling, trash pickup, and garbage removal is concerned, safety issues have become more important. 

Safety procedures need to be followed during waste handling, junk pickup, and trash removal.

• As one of York’s leading garbage removal companies we can assist businesses in their risk assessment and waste management planning.
• Deep clean bins and keep waste that is to be collected in a secure place, away from people, thus minimizing the risk of passing on any viruses.
• Do not let your trash accumulate, but haul away junk regularly. 
• Ensure that the collection point of your junk for your local trash removal company is away from staff and visitors.
• Dispose of used PPE by following your state’s regulations.

Some Positive Signs for Climate Change

Because of the ban on flying or driving due to strict lockdown regulations, not only here but throughout the world, and many factories and industries shut down for weeks or months, the effect was that greenhouse gases dropped to pre-World War 11 levels (Science of The Total Environment)

There have been reports of sightings of wildlife where nothing has been seen for years due to zero tourists. The cleaner air in our cities has enabled the environment to recover slightly.

Fewer tourists have meant cleaner beaches around the world as the beach resorts were not as busy as normal this summer. 

As soon as the restrictions and regulations are lifted, the levels of pollution are expected to rise to the pre lockdown levels quickly as this window was only temporary. Unfortunately, the damage imposed by decades of pollution cannot not disappear permanently in a few months.

This pandemic has had a detrimental effect on our environment, due mainly to not only the rise in the use of billions of single use masks, gloves, and PPE which all have to be disposed of, but also the staggering rise in the use of single use, throwaway containers such as hot drink cups and takeout food containers, as well as plastic single use shopping bags. These are destined to wind up in our landfills and oceans as recycle centers remain closed and waste removal struggles with the extra load.

So although our environment experienced some breathing space during this pandemic, unfortunately the use of disposable items has grown to such an extent that it may have initiated an environmental tragedy.

But these environmental matters are not new and Little Green Junk has been successfully dealing with them for a long time. 

Why Choose Us for Managing Waste During COVID?

Little Green Junk is your local licensed junk removal company looking after the interests of your environment. We find practical ways to responsibly dispose of waste.  We aim to recycle much of the waste we collect, and to dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way. Consider us as your local rubbish removal company near you that cares about the environment we live in as much as you do. We are committed to keeping our environment as clean as possible, even during a pandemic.  

Contact us for a free, no obligation quote and indicate the pick-up times that will fit in with your schedule. Our service includes after hours, or on weekends pickups, and we offer a same day junk removal service. Let us help you maintain the safety and cleanliness of your surrounds.

Call us at the following number: 717 467 0070. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

Email: inquiries@littlegreenjunk.com

www.littlegreenjunk.com