Could Fortnightly Collections Bring Back the Black Death?
By admin on Jul 22, 2007 in Household Waste, Featured
The pros and cons of fortnightly rubbish collections have been debated for quite some time. Some reports have been in favour of fortnightly rubbish collections on the basis that they have contributed to increased recycling rates. Other reports, including a recent report from the World Health Organisation, have criticised fortnightly rubbish collections for creating smells and potential health hazards.
Whether you agree with fortnightly rubbish collections or not, for the foreseeable future they are here to stay. This article will therefore highlight some of the potential bugs that could be lurking in your bin and provide advice on how to help minimise these risks.
A recent study into fortnightly rubbish collections was carried out by Northampton University. This study found that there was a ten-fold increase in levels of bacteria when waste was left to fester for two weeks rather than one. As well as causing a build up of bacteria inside the bins, rubbish can also attract flies and vermin such as mice and rats, which can increase the risk of infections.
What are the potential problems?
Salmonella - This bug can cause serious stomach upsets and was detected during the tests carried out by Northampton University.
Fungi - Decaying rubbish is a good breeding ground for fungi spores which can cause breathing difficulties.
E.coli - There are various different strains of E.coli which can cause stomach upsets. Some strains, including E.coli 0157 can even be fatal.
Yersinia - Yersinia is a type of bacteria that comes from the same family of bacteria as the Black Death Plague.
Listeria - The study carried out by Northampton University also highlighted high levels of listeria in the rubbish. Listeria can trigger nausea and vomiting.
Leptospirosis - Leptospirosis causes Weil’s disease which is a flu-like illness which can cause kidney failure and be fatal if not treated. This bug can be passed on to humans by handling rubbish which has been urinated on by rats.
Hantavirus - Hantavirus is also carried by rats and can cause fevers and chest infections. It is usually caught through rat droppings and urine, but can also be caught by inhaling the virus particles.
Rat-Bite Fever - Rat-Bite Fever is caused by the bacteria strepobacillus moniliformis and can be passed on to humans through a rat bite or scratch. As with Weil’s disease it can cause flu-like symptoms and can be fatal if not treated correctly.
What can be done to help minimise the potential risk?
When you read the list of potential bugs that could be lurking inside your bin, it is understandable why so many people are against fortnightly rubbish collections. However there are plenty of steps that can be taken to help minimise the potential risks. For example:
- Keep the lid of the bin closed at all times to prevent flies from being able to enter the bin and lay eggs.
- Minimise the amount of waste you dispose of by recycling as much as possible.
- Double bag food waste, especially meat. Before sealing the bag try to remove as much air as possible as this will help to slow down the general decomposition.
- Cleaning your bin regularly will not only help to prevent bugs and flies but will also help to neutralise any odours.
- Try to keep your rubbish bin in a shaded area as direct sunlight will heat the bin up which can increase the smell and attract flies.
- Sprinkling vinegar in your bin can help neutralise odours.
- Do not leave food waste exposed in the home or your kitchen bins uncovered, as this will increase the chance of flies being able to lay their eggs.
- After your bin has been emptied place some newspaper at the bottom to soak up any residue from your waste.
If you would like further information contact your local council who will be happy to provide tips and advice.
Tom Evison | Jul 31, 2007 | Reply
Your article does not state whether potentially lethal level of any problems were found in the bin. No doubt the Northampton University research also found mercury, faecal matter and many other harmful elements. There will also have been a high level of self-santisation (dilution) of harmful waste by the sheer volume of inert waste.
admin | Jul 31, 2007 | Reply
The aim of this article was to provide some practical advice on steps that can be taken to minimise the POTENTIAL health hazards caused by household waste in wheelie bins. The list of potential dangers was used to highlight the importance of taking such precautions.
Alison Webb | Aug 2, 2007 | Reply
Alternate collections are unfortunately one of the only methods of getting the general population to recycle more - empty once a week and you automatically encourage twice the volume of waste.
Councils should not be held responsible for dirty bins - why can’t people take responsibility for their own bins? After all it is their waste! if your bin is dirty, take steps to prevent this, as shown above.
Why do people object to paying more for waste disposal, yet continually demand more and more? stop disposing and the costs, and bugs, will go down!