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Two incidents, one involving needles

Hazardous waste causes serious injury to worker

May 29, 2020 | 12:24 PM

The City of Armstrong is reminding residents to be careful about the waste they put out for garbage pickup, especially if it may be hazardous.

There have been two incidents in the last two weeks where hazardous waste was inappropriately disposed of, with one incident seriously injuring a waste collection employee who required hospitalization.

“The first occurrence on May 19, the worker was exposed to multiple uncapped sharp needles (the worker did not make contact with the needles) and in the second incident on Tuesday May 26, the worker was injured by broken glass from neon tube lighting,” said Warren Smith, Community Services Manager, with the City of Armstrong.

Smith told Vernon Matters their contractor did not disclose the nature or extent of the injury.

The city advises hazardous materials can cause extensive injury when hidden in a garbage bag.

“The items include, but are not limited to, light bulbs (neon), broken glass, needles/sharps and corrosive or toxic liquids,” said Smith. “If it is in your garbage, you must ensure that there is no risk to others, and it is a permitted item. Please check with your service provider or the city if you are not sure of how to dispose of hazardous materials.”

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