We have experienced some difficult times over recent months, when the cooperation of the public was vital to avoid the spread of COVID-19 and to reduce its effects.
When we think about it, the public has been asked to make a tremendous effort: to stay at home as a preventive measure and to avoid direct contact with their loved ones… However, one of the most important efforts, which has largely gone unnoticed, is continuing to place each type of waste in the right bin.
Thanks to this minor action we have all done at home, together with the effort to incorporate a new separate management system for possibly virus contaminated waste, the waste from our homes has been successfully processed at Valdemingómez Technology Park to avoid any future contagion, to recover the maximum volume of recyclable materials to prevent them going to landfill and, most importantly, to ensure the safety of all the workers involved throughout the different stages of waste cleaning, collection and management.
Nevertheless, following the lockdown period, we are now in the de-escalation phase and with it, new challenges arise.
Gloves and masks are some of the waste we produce the most now at home in Madrid as they are necessary for going out and moving around the city. But day after day, social networks show us numerous images of these materials being disposed of incorrectly: left in the streets, communal areas or parks, put down toilets… so in addition to producing dirt or block sewage systems, they can even become new sources to spread the disease.
We should not forget that even though our return to normal is approaching, we cannot let our guard down and forget the importance of disposing of waste correctly. Gloves and masks should be placed in the orange bin or street waste bins (if we don’t want to take them home with us) but we should never leave them just anywhere. And we also need to remember that handling the waste of people who are infected requires special measures. Take a look.
We also have a responsibility towards others in society; so, if we do not properly dispose of this type of waste in the right bin, we should remember that this omission can affect the rest of the population.
This task is sometimes difficult, or we may feel discouraged when we see that others don’t collaborate. But we need to think that each of us is making a small contribution to making Madrid a better city, and between us all, these minor actions can make a big difference.
Once again, the “Getting organic waste right” team invites you to think. But don’t just stop there and start to act!
Remember that… when you cooperate, you’re also getting it right!