Garbage collection won’t be happening as frequently in Saskatoon during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The city announced Tuesday it will continue bi-weekly collection until further notice. May is normally the month when the city shifts over to a weekly collection schedule.
The city said the move is to ensure the safety of employees.
“Increasing staffing levels for weekly collections would add to personnel congestion and require extensive close-contact training in and around vehicles and equipment at a time when physical distancing is a priority,” said a release.
“These measures will help to limit the number of unique exposures with potentially contaminated waste containers and help reduce the spread of the virus.”
The city’s green cart program will go ahead as scheduled with collection beginning on May 4. Compost depots will open the same day.
The city issued special guidelines for handling trash and recyclables:
- Bag your garbage
- Do NOT place loose used tissues and napkins in your bin as they can become wind-blown when the lid opens during collection
- Do NOT discard used protective gloves or masks on the ground; place these items in a bag and dispose in household or black bin garbage
- Do NOT overfill your carts or leave loose items on the ground
- IF YOU’RE SICK: place ANY item that has come into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage
- Ensure accessible cart placement to avoid manual handling by the driver and return your cart to your property after collection.
Residents are reminded to check their Collection Calendar to ensure they don’t miss their pick-up day.