The Formentera Department of Environment reminds islanders that waste must be sorted and placed in bins by category: non-recyclable garbage in grey bins, paper and cardboard in blue, Tetra Briks, cans and plastics in yellow, and glass in green. Cleaning crews have signalled increasingly large rubbish piles found next to empty refuse collection points.
“Putting trash in the right bin isn’t just a question of aesthetics; it’s a key public health issue, both for those that empty the containers and clean our streets and for normal islanders as they try to use public dustbins”, said environment conseller Antonio J Sanz as he appealed to residents for cooperation. “A clean Formentera is everyone’s business”, he said.
The following municipal facilities have closed amid the coronavirus health crisis: Es Cap de Barbaria vehicle dismantling station, household waste recycling centre (Deixalleria), Es Cap de Barbaria transfer station for non-hazardous construction and demolition waste and garden clippings. The closures will remain in effect for the duration of the state of alarm.
The Department of Environment reminds islanders of recent action to ramp up sanitising efforts in busy public spaces, particularly immediately outside pharmacies, supermarkets, food shops, banks, etc.
Recommendations for handling rubbish at homes with Covid-19 patients
The Consell de Formentera reminds islanders of the Spanish Ministry of Health’s recommendation for handling rubbish at home.
Households where no one is infected or under quarantine are encouraged to sort waste as usual. In an effort to reduce the amount of waste that winds up at treatment plants, please remember, proper sorting of paper/cardboard, glass, plastics and organic waste if applicable is key. Please only place items in bins that correspond to the accepted items as listed.
Another important reminder: latex and nitrile gloves like those used on trips to the grocery store are not plastic and hence, must not be placed in plastics-only yellow containers.
According to the health ministry, households in which at least one of the members is infected with Covid-19 or under quarantine should dispose of the patient’s waste, including single-use objects like gloves, tissue paper and masks used by the patient, in a plastic bag-lined dustbin (BAG 1) which should be located in the patient’s room (if possible, the bin should have a lid and a foot-push lever). Waste sorting in these cases is unnecessary.
BAG 1 must be properly closed and placed inside another rubbish sack (BAG 2), which will in turn accommodate gloves and masks used by the caregiver. BAG 2 must be properly closed before being taken out of the room.
BAG 2 and its contents should be placed into the bag (BAG 3) containing the household’s non-organic and non-recyclable waste [labelled “resta” on bins]. After closing BAG 3, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for 40-60 seconds.
BAG 3 must be put into the general rubbish bin. Under no circumstance must these bags be placed in organic, plastics, paper, glass or fabric bins or left standing nearby.
31 March 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera
Barring any unforeseen events, Formentera’s firefighters have indicated that between this evening and tomorrow evening they will pay special tribute to island youngsters holed up at home. The gesture is part of the brigade’s decision to join a movement started on social media and messaging platforms to organise rounds of applause for all the children who for the last two weeks have been unable to leave their houses.
The Formentera Department of Trade has activated a campaign to support small businesses of the island authorised to continue operating during the state of emergency brought about by Covid-19.