Increase in COVID-19 cases reported among trash, recycling crews in Manassas

MANASSAS, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - Officials in Manassas announced Monday that there has been a dramatic increase in cases of COVID-19 among trash and recycling crews.

The city is working with its contractor to make sure that collections continue throughout Manassas as cases of COVID-19 rise in the area.

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"We are throwing away things that could possibly have germs on it and they’re picking it up. All we’re asking is people fit their trash into the containers," said Patty Prince, a City of Manassas spokesperson.

With so many people at home all day, working virtually and doing projects or work around the house, Prince says the City of Manassas is seeing a 40 percent increase in the amount of trash they’re collecting during the pandemic from years past. 

Prince says the management team from the city's contracted trash company, American Disposal Services, has been out themselves to help along the routes. 

"We'd hate to see what’s going to happen in December when usually trash goes up by 25 percent," said Prince. "And then we have sick crews on top of that."

Officials say for the week of Nov. 30., yard work will be collected on Wednesday.

Residents should set their trash and recycling out the night before their scheduled collection day, officials say. 

For larger items or bulk waste, call (703) 257-8252 to schedule all items to be collected that do not fit into trash and recycling containers.

Officials say unscheduled items will not be collected.