SWANA to distribute free face coverings to waste and recycling industry

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is collecting online orders for cloth face coverings through July 17 on behalf of the entire U.S. solid waste and recycling industry. These face coverings will be available free to companies and agencies in the industry.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), along with other federal partners, are distributing cloth face coverings at no cost to essential, critical infrastructure workers in the U.S. and they have asked SWANA to assist in the distribution.

“SWANA is thrilled to have been selected by the federal agencies to help distribute these face coverings to both private companies and municipal agencies,” says David Biderman, SWANA executive director and CEO. “This is part of SWANA’s continuing safety focus on behalf of the entire solid waste industry in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Sanitation Workers Support Fund. I hope many employers in the industry, and particularly small haulers, take advantage of this opportunity to obtain free face coverings.”

The free cloth face coverings are intended for solid waste and recycling workers in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and other U.S. territories who do not need medical-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) for their daily work. Operations that support the industry, including equipment manufacturers, are also eligible to receive the face coverings. Many states and local governments are requiring or recommending facial coverings for essential workers.

The face coverings are 100 percent cotton and contain silver and copper, which FEMA says may help kill or stop the growth of viruses and germs. A minimum order of a single box containing 500 face coverings is required. Recipients are urged to share with others in the industry should they be unable to use all of the coverings provided.

Orders should be placed before July 17. Visit https://swana.org/initiatives/free-cloth-face-coverings to learn more.