Materials Management Updates (March 2020) - COVID-19 Response | New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

NYS Executive Order 202.6 (https://esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026) identifies essential businesses or entities excluded from reducing their in-person workforce by 100%. “Trash and recycling collection, processing and disposal services” fall under essential services in the order including collection, transportation, processing and disposal activities for any solid wastes, regulated medical waste, hazardous wastes, radioactive wastes and other associated waste categories. Recycling collection is applicable to all recyclables including redemption of Returnable Container Act (RCA) beverage containers. Please note that this guidance is being updated frequently so go to the above website link for the latest list of essential services.

There is currently no demonstrated relationship between management of residential wastes and COVID-19.  However, unintended consequences of the COVID-19 response may make full compliance with regulations challenging for certain facilities and result in temporary disruptions to essential waste management and recycling services. In these circumstances, contact your local regional DEC office for specific guidance or email: dmm@dec.ny.gov.

Redemption Centers should continue to utilize standard procedures for safe handling of beverage containers including appropriate gloves, protective clothing, and appropriate social distancing practices conforming to COVID-19 response protocols. Any RCA-related questions should be directed to DEC program staff at nybottle@dec.ny.gov.

For more information, COVID-19 related guidance has been issued by the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/faq.html#waste) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (https://swana.org/news/guidance-on-coronavirus-(covid-19).