So what's in your trash? Would you believe there's danger in every can? In an effort to create a safer environment for the sanitation workers, the City of Parsons is encouraging all residents to stop and think about what is being thrown away and how your trash is handled. In recent months, several sanitation workers have acknowledged work related injuries due to broken glass and other sharp objects.

In fact, last month a piece of broken glass sent one employee to the hospital. The worker ended up with a severe hand laceration,  which required several stitches to close the wound.

So what does that have to do with residents? Well, we are asking that you take a few extra steps to help prevent these types of injuries. (Remember injuries on the job usually end up costing the City and ultimately you, the taxpayer). For the protection of the sanitation crews, remember to place broken glass, needles, and other sharp objects in a separate box.

There are many different ways to dispose of these items, including taping the boxes shut and labeling them with "broken glass". Another idea for smaller sharp objects is to keep a "sharps" container at home. Recycled laundry soap bottles, and two-liter pop bottles work great for such items. These can then be disposed of in a bag or box lessening the chances for accidents. Another way to dispose of sharp items could be wrapping it in several layers of paper, then placing it in the receptacle.

Another reminder to residents: there are several items that are not to be discarded in the weekly trash pick-up. Those items include: rocks, dirt, bricks, concrete, construction waste, broken glass (not in approved/marked containers), paint, acids, flammable liquids and sharp metal objects.

So, what's in your trash? Take a few minutes each week to help prevent accidents from happening.

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