Town of Herndon Suspends Yard Waste Services, Warns of Trash Collection Delays

In an effort to protects its workforce during the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Town of Herndon is suspending curbside pick-up of yard waste.

Residents can also expect delays in normal collection times because crews are working on rotational schedules in order to maintain social distancing requirements.

“This change allows crews to prioritize and safely collect residential refuse and recycling,” according to a statement from the town.

Residents should comprise their yard waste at home or “wait to place it curbside until service returns to normal.”

“We appreciate your understanding. We are working to protect our workforce during the current public health emergency while ensuring that trash and recyclables are collected.”

The town offered the following tips to create better working conditions for its workforce:

1. REDUCE THE WASTE YOU GENERATE- During this unprecedented time, residents should be mindful of the quantity of waste they generate, so as not to overwhelm the collection system. For example, this is not the best time to clean out the garage/do spring cleaning.

2. STOP SETTING OUT YARD WASTE AT THE CURB. Start grasscycling, backyard composting, and limit generation of yard waste if possible. Residents may take their Yard waste to the I-66 transfer station and I-95 landfill complex.

3. BAG ALL TRASH and REFUSE – Bagged trash limits exposure to potentially harmful materials, such as used tissue that could spread viruses and bacteria.

4. KEEP ALL RECYCLING CLEAN AND LOOSE – When recycling is loose in the bin, not in bags, it is easier to process. Removing food and liquid residue from recyclables minimizes the spread of viruses and bacteria. Only place plastic bottles and jugs, paper, cardboard, cartons and metal cans in the bin.

5. EMPTY ALL LIQUIDS – Liquids in bottles, cans, and other containers can carry viruses and bacteria and can splash onto collectors when trash and recyclables are emptied.

6. WIPE/DISINFECT CART HANDLES AND LIDS – The two main touch points on a cart for collectors are the lid and the handles. By wiping those areas down with disinfectant or soapy water, you minimize the danger of shared contact areas.

7. SEAL AND MARK ALL SHARPS/NEEDLES – Properly dispose of medical sharp objects such as syringes by placing them in a sealed, rigid plastic container. Seal the container with sturdy tape, clearly mark it as “Sharps,” and place in the trash.

New trash recycling rules also went into effect in Fairfax County on Monday (March 30).

Photo via Patricia Valerio/Unsplash