From a City of Lexington news release:
The city will resume weekly yard waste collections next week, on the same day as garbage and recycling pickup. Yard waste collections were suspended March 23 because of the danger posed by the COVID-19 epidemic.
The City is now cautiously optimistic that, with the public’s help, it can collect yard waste safely. Unlike trash and recycling carts, which are mostly emptied by mechanical arms on the collection trucks, yard waste collections are done by crew members, who roll carts to the truck, touching both the cart’s handle and lid. “That made it difficult to provide the service and protect our employees,” Mayor Linda Gorton said.
Since the virus struck, the Division of Waste Management has been working to secure appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies to allow for safe operation of the yard waste service.
“We have implemented several practices to allow for weekly cleaning of all trucks, inside and outside,” said Nancy Albright, Commissioner of Environmental Quality and Public Works. “We have a steady supply of the types of PPE needed for employees, allowing us to resume regular service.”
In rolling their carts to the curb, Gorton urged citizens to protect Waste Management employees and themselves. Wipe down the handle and lid after placing the cart next to the curb, and then wipe the handle and lid down again before returning the cart back to your home.
“The Division of Waste Management appreciates everyone’s patience as we navigate these new working conditions and follow all safety measures to keep our employees protected,” said Waste Management Director Tracey Thurman.
For more information, contact LexCall at 311 or (859) 425-2255.