Top 10 Rubbish Problems During the Pandemic

The year 2020 has been a challenging year due to the global outbreak of Covid-19. Millions of cases around the world have been recorded, and the economy has been in turmoil ever since. However, we are far from over. Vaccines are not yet ready for consumption, and we should still live with precautions. 

The pandemic has caused a domino effect in employment rate, businesses, education, and even the country’s waste generation. As people have been necessitated to stay at home, Australian councils struggle with the increase of residential rubbish. Thus, people need to lessen the burden on their local council pick-ups. 

To further enlighten you about this ongoing issue, here are the top 10 rubbish problems during the pandemic, which you should be wary about: 

Over-all Waste Generation Increases

As people incline to shop online and order food via take-out, waste from packaging materials and single-use items continues to crowd household bins.  There is an increase of 10% in residential rubbish and recyclables in kerbside bins for the local council to pick up. 

Illegal Dumping Intensifies

Waste generation is not only the problem, but illegal dumping of rubbish has also been an issue in different councils of Australia. 

In the city of Melbourne, the illegal dumping of wastes increased by 70% last April. Officials remind residents that illegal dumping is a punishable offence, which can be a penalty of $10,000 or jail time for a month, depending on the severity of the case.  

Improper Disposal of Medical Waste

The use of face masks is our first line of defence against Covid-19. However, improper disposal could spread the virus or kill marine life. 

According to BBC News, we use about 129 billion face masks and 65 billion plastic gloves monthly. They should end up in closed bins rather than illegally littered on streets that may soon reach oceans.

Today, there are more face masks in the sea than jellyfish, alcohol bottles and gloves. Thus, proper waste management and disposal of medical waste is one of the keys to protecting marine life.  

Limitations on Kerbside Collection

Bulk waste and white goods require booking an appointment with the council. However, with the increasing waste generation, local pick-ups find it hard to collect all types of rubbish simultaneously. Some have momentarily stopped the collection of bulk waste, prompting residents to dump their wastes as mentioned before, illegally. 

To avoid penalties, you can book with Aussie Junk, the trusted partner of Sydneysiders, for their rubbish removal needs.

Construction Debris Surges

During the pandemic, people have seen this as an opportunity to renovate residential or commercial spaces. In line with that, construction debris such as rubble, timber, and paint is rising.

Local council pick-ups don’t collect these types of waste. Lifting and transferring can be a hassle without the right equipment and vehicle.

Thus, once again, you can rely on our construction rubbish removal service to take care of your accumulated construction waste. Our team can get rid of them fast and efficiently.  

Residential Cleanout Accumulates Piles of Rubbish

Since the start of lockdown, hygiene and cleanliness are vital factors in avoiding the spread of the virus. Homeowners maximise this time of crisis to declutter and clean unwanted junk inside their properties. 

But, this general cleanout day produces piles of rubbish that need proper segregation and disposal. So, if you plan to conduct a cleanout, please follow the NSW EPA Waste Classifications Guidelines, and be extra careful of hazardous chemicals.   

Single-use Plastics’ Come Back

People have been choosing single-use plastics to get rid of them quickly. But please take note that plastics decay for about 50 to 600 years. Thus, if you can avoid using them, please do so. Better alternatives are available such as eco-bags, which you can sanitise immediately by washing.  

Recyclable Items in Landfills

With the threat of the virus, people tend to forget to recycle. Remembering long-time threats could also affect us if we don’t act today is essential. Landfilling rate is one of the biggest problems in Australia. Recycling could help lessen the exploitation of resources and reduce taking up too much space in landfills. 

Donation Overload

You might think to give away your used clothes to charitable institutions. But, most of the time, only some of them are used. Do not donate unusable and worn-out items of clothing.

It is nice to help, but charities can sometimes be overwhelmed by too many clothing donations. They don’t have a choice but to throw them out. 

So, if you are donating, ensure that the charity needs clothing donations.   

Litters are Everywhere

Even though people stay home, litter items such as cigarette butts, plastic bottles, and fast food containers are still ongoing issues in Australia. Littering is a crime that may put you to pay fines from $200 to $5,000.

So make sure to avoid throwing out unwanted junk on the streets and practise proper waste disposal. 

Conclusion

Dealing with a global health pandemic is stressful enough. Do not reach a point where your rubbish problems will put you at risk. Always remember to segregate your wastes according to their type and throw them to their designated bins. 

If you want hassle-free and efficient waste disposal, you can always depend on Aussie Junk! Our team of top-grade removalists are experts when it comes to sorting your junk and discarding them while following the NSW EPA Regulations. 

You don’t have to worry about it since our methods follow the standard health protocols. Equipped with the right tools and devices, we will be ringing at your door within an hour after your call. 

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 times a week for all sorts of rubbish removal job! Contact us at ‪0435 569 921‬ or send us a message through our email.