How to deal with waste if you are self-isolating or have Coronavirus

If you have been asked to self-isolate, either as a precaution or because you have coronavirus (COVID-19), please follow this advice to get rid of your household waste. This will help us to ensure the virus is not spread.

• You should place all personal waste such as used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths, securely in a plastic bag or bin liner
• This plastic bag should then be placed in another plastic bag and securely tied
• These bags must then be stored separately to other waste for at least 72 hours before being put in your black (non-recycling) bin

Government guidance says that after 72 hours outside the body the virus is no longer active and the double-bagged waste can be put in the non-recycling collection as normal. Only waste that is heavily contaminated, such as tissues that have been coughed into and disposable cleaning cloths, need to be treated in this way.
 

Other household waste and recycling

Your regular Household waste should be treated as normal.
 

Cleaning advice

The Government advice also says that when cleaning you should use your usual household products like detergents and bleach as these will be very effective at getting rid of the virus on surfaces. Clean frequently touched surfaces.

Additional information

► For more information, read the Government's stay at home guidance for people with confirmed or possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.