The Da Nang Department of Natural Resources and the Environment has issued a plan to collect, transport and treat waste suspected of being contaminated with SARS-CoV-2 released from the homes of COVID-19 patients and their primary contacts across the city for the sake of pandemic prevention and control missions.

A janitor is spraying disinfectant on dust carts containing potentially hazardous wastes of SARS-CoV-2 in Lien Chieu District. Photo: VAN HOANG

The district-level authorities are guided to choose a number of temporary gathering locations dedicated to infectious waste, such as at ward and commune-level/ district medical stations or suitable public places.

In the blockaded neighborhoods, there must be a location featuring two separate trash dustbins that meet the technical requirements for the storage of non-hazardous domestic waste and trash at a risk of containing SARS-CoV-2), respectively.

Meanwhile, yellow bags targeted at containing hazardous waste must be placed in front of houses and accommodations where COVID-19 patients and their primary contacts stay.

The collection and transportation units shall arrange specialised vehicles ensure technical requirements for the transportation of hazardous waste whilst their staff must comply with mandatory measures against COVID-19

The Da Nang Urban Environment Joint Stock Company and the Da Nang branch of the Ha Noi Urban Environment Company Limited (Urenco 15) are assigned to collect and transport infectious waste from the aforementioned sealed-off places to temporary gathering locations designated by the local authorities on a daily basis.

Units holding appropriate hazardous waste treatment permits licensed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment will then transport garbage at the above-mentioned temporary gathering points to authorised treatment facilities.

Reporting by HOANG HIEP – Translating by A. THU