The city of Litchfield Park shared a list of guidelines Wednesday, March 25 for packaging trash and recyclables to ensure the safety of Waste Management drivers as more people are staying home during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic.

“Households are generating more waste than ever,” according to a city release. “We’d like to remind you of important service guidelines and recycling and waste reduction tips to keep your neighborhood healthy, clean and safe during this difficult time.”

Residents are advised to:

• Ensure all trash is bagged and fits inside the cart with the lid firmly closed.
• Place carts at least 3 feet away from all objects, including second carts, mailbox, vehicles or trees.
• Ensure the lid opening faces the street, with the wheels pointed toward the house.
• Keep carts away from parked vehicles to allow collection trucks clear access.
• Place carts at curbside by 6 a.m. on collection day.
• Do not place household hazardous waste or electronics in curbside containers.

Residents are encouraged to continue recycling, especially cardboard.

“The materials you recycle at home, especially cardboard, are vital feedstocks for new materials that manufacturers desperately need,” the release stated. “Paper mills rely on fiber for the manufacturing of boxes for grocery and home delivery, and tissue and paper towels. Doing your part to recycle right is more important now than ever.”

When recycling, residents should:

• Break down cardboard boxes and if needed, cut them up to fit in the recycling cart.
• Empty bottles and cans before recycling. Leave caps on bottles.

City and Waste Management officials also encouraged residents to set up their home recycling systems by visiting wm.com/recycleright to learn more, and to get more information on what they can and cannot recycle.