How to manage strata waste disposal during COVID-19

We recommend taking extra precautionary measures when it comes to strata waste disposal during COVID-19 outbreaks

As scientists have determined that the coronavirus can remain on surfaces such as plastic, cardboard, and steel for some time*, it’s important to be extra careful when it comes to strata garbage disposal during COVID-19 outbreaks.

In line with the Australian and state governments, local councils will continue to deliver essential services for the community, including waste collection and recycling.Here are some of our recommendations for strata garbage disposal during COVID-19 outbreaks, which take into account the health and safety of you and your neighbours:

1. Be considerate when disposing of waste
2. Have garbage disposal areas cleaned more frequently
3. If you are quarantined while waiting for the results of a COVID test, you need to take extra precautions when it comes to garbage disposal
4. Social distancing should be observed when disposing of garbage
5. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling waste or using common area waste rooms

Be considerate when disposing of waste

When it comes to strata waste disposal during COVID-19, it’s important to be considerate of others. Ensure children, pets and pests cannot access waste and do not leave rubbish unsupervised on the ground.

If you have COVID-19 or are in isolation due to potential exposure, it is recommended that you not dispose of your waste until you have been cleared.

Have garbage disposal areas cleaned more frequently

To ensure strata waste disposal during COVID-19 outbreaks does not lead to the spread of the virus, your cleaning company should be instructed to clean and disinfect garbage areas, as well as door handles to waste rooms, bin handles and garbage chutes, more frequently. Ask your cleaning company for their COVID-19 cleaning plan and what additional measures they have put in place.

If you are quarantined while waiting for the results of a COVID test, you need to take extra precautions when it comes to garbage disposal

When it comes to strata waste disposal during COVID-19 outbreaks, it’s always best to be extra cautious. It’s recommended that all waste that has been in contact with any isolating individual should be double-bagged and tied to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The waste should not be disposed of or put out for collection until it is confirmed that the potential patient does not have COVID-19.

Social distancing should be observed when disposing of garbage

When engaging it strata waste disposal during COVID-19 outbreaks, keep a minimum of 1.5 metres between yourself and others in all common areas.

If you have flu-like symptoms and have recently been in contact with someone with COVID-19, avoid all common areas.

Wash your hands thoroughly after handling waste or using common area waste rooms

Wash your hands for more than 20 seconds as soon as you finish disposing of waste or using common property garbage rooms or areas. This is your best defence in preventing the transmission of COVID-19.

Community living requires residents to be more conscious of others around them. Be considerate of others when it comes to strata waste disposal during COVID-19 outbreaks. Also, practice social distancing rules and wash your hands immediately after.

* Study from National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University scientists in The New England Journal of Medicine.To access our full range of strata resources or to stay up to date on regular updates, to sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter click here. For a consultation to review your by-laws, our Kemps Petersons Legal team is at your service to assist, click here to learn more. Or, one of our team members can assist you with a free assessment – it’s free and carries no obligation, click here.