The Public Works Department is asking city residents to take steps to reduce the risk of infection from the coronavirus (COVID-19) to sanitation workers. Also, the department has issued guidance to accommodate an increase in bulk debris volume.
Rick Drazenovich, director of Public Works, said with more people at home due to Virginia’s “Stay at Home” order, residents are generating up to 20 percent more household garbage. Additionally, an increase in bulk debris volume is occurring because many households are trimming trees, undertaking repair projects, and performing spring-cleaning tasks.
“We are committed to ensuring the regular and timely collection of the increased solid waste volume,” Drazenovich said. “We also are committed to the safety of our workers. In the event that the sanitation division equipment operators are unable to report for work due to illness, quarantine, or childcare, Public Works will prioritize household garbage collection over yard waste, debris, recycling and other services.”
The department issued the following guidelines:
HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE
The city’s household waste collection utilizes automated collection vehicles and rolling carts. To reduce the risk of infection to our operators, the department is asking that all residents:
- Make sure all household garbage is bagged and placed in an automated rolling cart. Household garbage in bags outside the cart will not be collected by hand.
- If a residence has more household garbage than their cart will hold, then it is necessary to purchase an additional 96-gallon cart. A cart can be purchased (including delivery) over the phone for $50 by calling Public Works at 799-5245.
- If there is someone sick in the household, double bag any garbage that may be infectious.
BULK DEBRIS/YARD WASTE
Virginia’s “Stay at Home” order remains in effect until June 10 and includes the month of May, which is “Make Danville Shine” month. With the temporary closure of schools, restaurants, recreational, entertainment, gatherings, and non-essential businesses, Public Works realizes that many residents are starting projects and spring cleaning early. To accommodate the increase in bulk debris volume at a time when the department may be experiencing a reduction in staffing due to the virus, the following guidelines will be in effect:
- Homeowner project generated construction/demolition debris will be accepted but must be within the two-and-one-half cubic-yard volume limit.
- Contractor generated construction/demolition debris will not be collected under any circumstances.
- Volume restrictions will not be waived. Residents will be permitted to put out two and one-half cubic yards of debris or yard waste per week. (approximately a pile the size of a pickup truck bed). Debris and yard waste must be placed in separate piles.
- Small debris must be bagged or containerized.
- Spring cleaning bulk debris will be limited to four pieces of furniture, mattresses, box springs, etc. per week.
- Tires will not be accepted.
- The following types of waste are not collected by sanitation crews: hazardous waste, bricks, blocks, stone, dirt, auto parts, human or animal waste, urine, propane fuel tanks and hypodermic syringes.
- Rental trailers will not be offered to residents. They will be reserved for City use.
- All leaves and grass must be bagged.
- Tree contractor trimmings and tree removal materials will not be collected.