Coronavirus and Allerdale's waste collection services

Disposing of potentially infected waste

How to safely handle waste potentially contaminated by coronavirus

Waste from possible cases and cleaning of areas where possible cases have been (including disposable cloths and tissues):

• Should be put in a plastic rubbish bag and tied when full.
• The plastic bag should then be placed in a second bin bag and tied.
• It should be put in a suitable and secure place and marked for storage until the individual’s test results are known or at least 72 hours has passed.

Waste should be stored safely and kept away from children. You should not put your waste in communal waste areas until negative test results are known or the waste has been stored for at least 72 hours.

• if the individual tests negative, this can be put in with the normal waste
• if the individual tests positive, then store it for at least 72 hours and put in with the normal waste

If storage for at least 72 hours is not appropriate, arrange for collection as a Category B infectious waste by a specialist clinical waste contractor. We do not offer a clinical waste collection service. They will supply you with orange clinical waste bags for you to place your bags into so the waste can be sent for appropriate treatment.

Go to the government website for more advice on how to deal with potentially infected waste and laundry

Disposing of PPE equipment

The government has issued guidance on the safe disposal of personal protective equipment such as masks.

Helping to protect our bin crews and yourself

Our bin crews are working hard to carry out the waste collections in these challenging times. Please help to protect them by cleaning bin handles, lids and any black boxes you may have. And remember to wash your hands after putting your bin out and collecting it back in too.

Trade waste collections

If you need to speak to us about you business waste arrangements and whether you need collections, or change your schedule,  contact the team by email .

Household waste recycling centres

The Household Waste Recycling Centres (the 'tips') are open. They are operated by Cumbria County Council. Find out more about the arrangements they have put in place on their website .

Bin crews colouring-in poster

Download the colour it in poster to say thank you to our bin crews. (Image originally created by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council)