COVID-19

What We Know: 

---

New Findings: 

​

Coronavirus is a group of viruses named for the way they look under a microscope (corona meaning crown). The novel (or new​) coronavirus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China - this is now recognized as COVID-19. The first case in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The virus is thought to spread mainly through respiratory droplets (currently not airborne) produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. A person can also contract COVID-19 by coming in physical contact with a surface/object that has been contaminated.

---

A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine observed the stability of virus outside of the body. Here are some of the findings: 

• Remained viable in aerosols for three hours. 
• Remained on plastic and stainless steel for 48-72 hours. 
• Remained on cardboard for less than 24 hours. 
• Remained on copper for less than 4 hours. 

​Click here to view the full report. 
​
Transmission in MRFS: 

• Current MRF PPE has been deemed sufficient for mitigating transmission from materials being handled in MRFs. 
  • It is noted that the virus can survive on surfaces such as plastics and OCCs for 2-3 days. 
• MRFs and solid waste operations are being advised to use best practices for waste and recycling handling (gloves, safety glasses, etc.). 

HHW & Other Services: 

• Many cities are continuing curbside and commercial services. 
  
  • Limiting services that require more customer interactions or public space sharing (HHW, recycling drop-offs, re-use sites, etc.) 

Some general guidelines to follow: 

• Follow CDC & OSHA guidance for all workplaces (washing hands, avoid touching eyes/mouth, etc.)
• Ensure bags are closed/tied off properly
• Close all sharps containers prior to disposing securely
• Close all boxes and reusable containers
• Adhere to local/federal ordinances & waste company protocols. 

---

Resources: 

​National Level 

• CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

 

• OSHA​ - https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/covid-19/

 

• World Health Organization (WHO) - https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

 

• NWRA (HWI Press Release/Guidance Documents) - https://cdn.ymaws.com/wasterecycling.org/resource/resmgr/hwi_minutes/HWI_COVID-2019_FAQs.pdf

 

• ECRI - https://www.ecri.org/coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak-preparedness-center

 

• US Dep. of Transportation PHMSA CAT (Planning Guide) - https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/transporting-infectious-substances/planning-guidance-handling-category-solid-waste

US Chamber of Commerce: 

• ​Resource

Small Business Admin: 

• Disaster Assistance

Food Donation Resource:

• ​PDF

Articles: 

• Wastedive : https://www.wastedive.com/news/coronavirus-covid-waste-recycling-safety-collection-mrf/574359/
• Environmental Leader : https://www.environmentalleader.com/2020/03/covid-19-waste-generation-stericycle/

 Past Webinars: 

• Managing COVID-19 Waste Webinar Slides (3/19/2020 - Courtesy of NWRA & Stericycle)
  • Webinar Recording 

Click here to view our list of upcoming webinars! 

Upcoming Call: 

• COVID-19 Effects on Food Waste & Food Recovery (Courtesy of FTGTW)
  • April 16, 2020 - 1:00-2:30 (ET)
  • ​Click here to view the call-in details & notes from the previous call!