The city of Coquitlam is seeing an increase in littering as more people flock to local parks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement released Tuesday, staff encouraged residents to take home their trash, particularly given that coronavirus can be transmitted through surfaces.
“The city is reminding the public to help keep Coquitlam’s parks, trails and other green spaces clean for everyone’s safety and enjoyment,” staff said in the statement. “With the potential transmission of the coronavirus through surfaces, it’s more important than ever that litter is either packed out or disposed in a safe manner.”
Parks hosts have been equipped with litter pickers and residents are being asked to take their garbage home whenever possible or disposed of in park bins. All personal hygiene products, like tissues, masks, gloves and wipes should be bagged before being placed in the garbage.
The city is reminding park users that bears are also starting to roam, which means any food waste or animal attractants cannot be left behind.
The littering of personal protective equipment (PPE), like surgical gloves and face masks has been particularly problematic since the pandemic began.
Last month, Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart called out litterbugs after posting photographs on Facebook of surgical gloves randomly strewn on a road and in an underground parking lot.
“I get it,” Steward wrote in the message. “You think that your gloves might have been in contact with the virus. As a result, you discard them rather than put them in a garbage bag in your car… This exhibits some especially selfish and antisocial attitudes. If you think something is contaminated, then discard it properly.”
Stewart urged Coquitlam residents to, if they think something is contaminated, discard it properly. Several municipalities across Metro Vancouver have asked resident to dispose of used medical protective equipment and soiled tissues in sealed plastic bags to prevent possible transmission.
“This needs to stop,” added Stewart. “We can't look out only for ourselves, we need to all be in this together.
“Perhaps a $10,000 fine would be in order for discarding used masks/gloves?”
Others commenting on his post suggested more drastic measures, including one commenter who suggested that an additional “criminal charge of biological terrorism would be adequate. Maximum fine of $1,000,000.”
If a person sees a park waste bin in need of maintenance or emptying, residents can call 604-927-3500 or email [email protected].
