Durham Region is reminding residents to safely dispose of broken glass, broken porcelain and medical sharps after a recent rise in injuries involving waste collection workers.
Officials say improper disposal can create serious safety risks for workers handling garbage and recycling.
How to Dispose of Broken Glass or Porcelain
Residents should not place loose broken glass or porcelain directly into garbage bags.
To dispose of these items safely:
- Put broken glass or porcelain inside a strong cardboard box
- Seal the box securely with tape
- Clearly write “Broken Glass” or “Broken Porcelain” on the box in large, bold letters
- Place the box beside your garbage for collection
This helps waste collection staff identify the hazard and handle it safely.
Medical Sharps Must Not Go in Household Bins
Durham Region says medical sharps should never be thrown into the garbage, blue box or green bin.
Medical sharps include items such as needles, syringes and similar sharp medical waste.
Improperly discarded sharps can injure workers and pose health risks.
How to Dispose of Medical Sharps
Residents should place medical sharps in an approved sharps container.
These containers are available at local pharmacies.
Once full or ready for disposal, the container can be returned free of charge to a participating pharmacy.
Zero-Tolerance Policy
Durham Region has a zero-tolerance policy for broken glass, broken porcelain and medical sharps placed inside garbage bags.
Officials are urging residents to follow disposal rules to protect waste collection workers and prevent avoidable injuries.
Durham Region is asking residents to take extra care when disposing of sharp or hazardous household waste. Broken glass and porcelain should be boxed, sealed and labelled, while medical sharps must be placed in approved containers and returned to participating pharmacies. Proper disposal helps keep waste collection workers safe.