EDINBURG – The impacts of the coronavirus are evident and the fact people can contract it anywhere is something the Edinburg Waste Department is taking very seriously.

Ramiro Gomez, director at Solid Waste Management, says most of their trucks collect waste without coming into contact with the trash. However, there are occasions workers will have to step out to pick up the trash that’s spilled over, putting them in contact with potential virus threats.

Gomez says some of the personal protective equipment waste workers use are dust masks and disinfecting supplies – two things the department is struggling to find.

Officials are urging residents to fit all trash into one container and avoid over flow. They advise to not put extra bags on top or next to a container – especially important for anyone who has tested positive for the virus.

Patients who contracted the virus or are sick should hold on to their garbage and recyclables for at least a week.

Watch the video above for the full report.