Waste collection workers have one of the most hazardous jobs in North America. To keep both waste collection workers and residents safe, there are important tips everyone should follow.

Curbside Collection Safety Tips

• Separate sharp waste: When disposing of sharp objects and broken glass, please follow IWMC’s guidelines. A small amount of broken glass (e.g., a single glass) can go in your waste cart. For large amounts of broken glass, please place the material in a cardboard box or wrap it in newspaper and label the box “Broken Glass.” This helps to avoid injuries. You can also tape the end of sharp objects like scissors or knives before placing them in Blue Bag #2.
• Never put medical sharps in your carts or blue bags: This includes needles, syringes, and insulin pens. Medical sharps are never collected curbside. Sharps containers can be picked up for free at participating pharmacies on PEI. When a sharps container is full, it can be returned free of charge to the pharmacy for disposal. Visit the Health Products Stewardship Association website for more information.
• Never put batteries in your carts or blue bags: Batteries are a dangerous fire hazard and must be disposed of safely. Single-use alkaline, lithium, silver oxide, zinc-air, zinc-carbon, and zinc-chloride batteries weight up to 5 kgs are accepted at any Waste Watch Drop-Off Center or other Call2Recycle drop-off location free of charge.
• Do not approach waste collection staff in their work area: Approaching a truck, even if it is not moving, can be dangerous. Waste collection workers are required to wear the proper personal protective equipment to operate safely around the truck. If you have questions, please call IWMC’s Customer Service Centre.
• Properly dispose of all hazardous waste: Products used in your home or workplace that can be flammable, corrosive, explosive, or toxic can be harmful to you and the environment if they are not disposed of properly. They are never collected curbside and require special handling (e.g., household cleaners, solvents, or mercury items). Residents should bring these items to any Waste Watch Drop-Off Center for free and safe disposal.
• Do not leave bungee cords, ropes, etc. on carts when placed curbside for collection: These restraints can get caught in a truck’s machinery and cause injury to collection drivers and bystanders.
• Do not exceed size restrictions for curbside material: Carts that exceed the weight restrictions can cause injury to collection drivers. The maximum weight for carts on PEI is 220 pounds (100 kgs). The maximum weight for excess containers and materials is 50 pounds (22 kgs). As well, material may not be greater than four feet in any dimension.
• Do not use white or coloured bags in the waste cart: Use clear, transparent bags to ensure waste collection drivers can see what materials are in the bag.
• Do not put ashes in your cart: Putting ashes in your cart can be a fire hazard. Please place ashes in a cardboard box beside the appropriate cart. Clean ash (e.g., no metal or glass) goes beside your green cart. Mixed ash goes beside your black cart.
• During winter months, please ensure your cart is free from snow and ice. If you’d like to apply salt curbside where your cart is placed for collection, it will help ensure the driver has stable footing and avoids slips or falls.

Contact IWMC’s Customer Service if your cart is damaged or requires replacement.