Thailand’s infection household waste has increased over the past month, due to a continual surge in COVID-19 infections, with the upward trend expected to continue due to the practice of “home isolation” whereby asymptomatic and mild cases as well as those awaiting hospital beds, are asked to stay home with remote supervision by medical personnel, and especially with the antigen test kits now allowed for home use, according to the Department of Health.

The department’s director-general, Dr. Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai, said today (Friday) that there were 31,709.86 tonnes of infectious garbage generated between January and June this year. In June, an average of 210 tonnes of infectious waste was recorded on daily basis, due to more infected people entering home or community isolation.

Infectious household garbage includes used face masks, used sanitary product, disposable food containers and antigen test kits. Proper and safe disposal of these items is urged, to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19.

In communities, where there is a proper system for the disposal of infectious garbage, Dr. Suwanchai said it should be collected every day and put in a red bag, tied up when it is full and sprayed with disinfectant, such as sodium hypochlorite 5,000 ppm, bleach mixed in water at a proportion of 1:10 or 70% alcohol. Then put the bag into another bag, tie it and spray with disinfectant again.

The same approach can be applied in communities where there is no proper system for the collection and disposal of infectious garbage.