Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling reported that the COVID pandemic last year had impacts on its efforts to reduce waste in the solid stream. Specifically, Covid-19 precautions encourage the use of single-use items over reusables, such as masks, gloves, coffee cups, and bags just to name a few. Additionally, with more people home for long stretches of time, the waste stream was significantly impacted.
Staff at Solid Waste and Recycling anticipated trash tonnages would falter, as businesses temporarily closed. However, the reality was the community had more time to clean out sheds, closets, and garages. While many businesses temporarily closed, construction and demolition waste increased from fiscal year 2019 to 2020 by almost 1,000 tons.
Recycling also experienced significant changes due to Covid-19. Aluminum recycling increased significantly, while many other materials slowed. Textile recycling was suspended in May, and as of December it has yet to resume. Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling has every intention of continuing with this collection service as soon as possible. Electronic waste, shredding service, and hazardous waste collection were temporarily suspended in spring and early summer.
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