New wheelie bin rules

New rules for disposing of rubbish – including double bagging tissues and cleaning cloths – have been issued by Public Health England.

The rules, which apply to everyone who might have a potential Covid-19 infection, are now in place across Lincolnshire in a bid to cut the rate of infections.

They state:

• Personal waste, including used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths should be stored inside disposable rubbish bags
• Those disposable bags should then be placed inside ANOTHER bag, securely tied and kept separate from other household waste
• The doubled bagged waste then needs to be put aside for THREE days before you put it in your wheelie bin

These rules only apply to households with a ‘potential covid-19 infection’ – which will include households where people with symptoms are self-isolating.

The Public Health England advice also states: “When cleaning you should use your usual household products, like detergents and bleach, as these will be very effective at getting rid of the virus on surfaces.

“Clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, handrails, remote controls and table tops.

“This is particularly important if you have an older or vulnerable person in the house.”

The guidance is part of the latest Government advice released on March 18 and aims to minimise the risk to refuse collection workers so councils can keep bin lorries rolling as long as possible.