New guidelines for trash disposal to prevent COVID-19 exposure

Waterloo region is asking people to make changes to how they deal with their garbage to protect waste collection workers from contracting COVID-19.

The region is asking people to place used tissues and napkins in the garbage instead of in green bins.

They're also asking everyone to use liner bags (paper or compostable plastic) in their green bins, and finally, to put all garbage in garbage bags rather than leaving it loose in garbage cans.

Anyone who is sick should put all items that came in contact with their mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage. That includes blue box items such as water bottles and juice bottles.

Regional officials say this will help keep garbage collection crews healthy.

The crews handle thousands of bins, bags and boxes every week.