Used Masks, Gloves Litter Bloomfield Streets Amid Coronavirus

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — It’s littering, but much deadlier, officials say.

On Monday evening, Bloomfield officials passed a resolution at the township council meeting, reminding residents that police will be enforcing local littering and dumping laws to combat the improper disposal of protective gloves, wipes and masks during the coronavirus outbreak.

Municipal officials have been getting “numerous” complaints about people chucking their used items on local sidewalks and streets instead of putting them in trash receptacles.

It’s an easily fixed issue that’s putting lives at risk, officials said.

“We strongly encourage all members of the Bloomfield community to act responsibly and dispose of masks, gloves and disposable wipes in a manner that does not compromise the health and safety of our residents,” Councilman Nick Joanow said.

“It is reckless and unacceptable to find these items in public and private parking lots, which endanger those responsible for removing these items at the end of each workday,” Joanow added.

Monday’s resolution notes that there is already a fine up to $2,000 for people who violate Section 497-44 of the Township of Bloomfield Code, entitled “Littering”, which forbids all persons from “throwing rubbish, refuse or any other matter upon the sidewalks, gutters or streets.”

Bloomfield officials asked business owners to make sure they have enough trash cans on their properties to allow people to properly dispose of their items while shopping.

As of Tuesday morning, there have been 304 cases of COVID-19 in Bloomfield and 14 deaths connected to the disease, Essex County officials reported.

READ MORE: NJ Coronavirus Updates (Here's What You Need To Know)

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