Substances used to discourage animals from getting into your garbage have an unintended side effect, the city says: namely, they can sicken the people picking up your trash.
The City of Greater Sudbury has recently released a few social media posts regarding the use of deterrents to keep animals out of household garbage cans. The issue is humans are animals, too, and those substances can sicken or harm the city’s waste collection teams.
“Tips on social media suggest sprinkling chili powder, cayenne or cleaners on garbage bags to deter animals,” the city said in a recent post. “Please do not. These can make workers sick.”
The post states that there have also been several instances of strong chemicals and other substances placed in household garbage.
“Even small amounts can make workers sick if inhaled, touched or blown into the eyes by the wind,” the city said.
“Chemicals are harmful to the environment and workers and even ‘natural’ substances can injure workers if inhaled, absorbed through the skin or enters the eyes. Use your green cart to keep wildlife away from your garbage bags/container.”
Hazardous waste like chemicals and cleaners should be disposed of at a proper depot, not included with household trash.
“We’re asking residents to avoid putting any substances on their garbage bags. Instead, please bring household hazardous waste — such as chemicals and cleaners — to a proper depot,” the post states. “Not sure where an item should go? Visit greatersudbury.ca/wastelookup or call 311 for help.”