Flooding in different parts of Australia is quite common after heavy rainfall. Knowing how to manage waste after a flood is a basic necessity. Floodwaters lead to notable health and safety risks, including contagious water-borne diseases. You can control such risks by adequately managing waste and floodwaters after a downpour. The best action is to notify the local council and ask for their immediate assistance.
We’ll cover all the basics of managing waste and disposal after a flood to make it easier for you.
How Can You Protect Your Health After A Flood?
The first step to protecting your health after a flood is to consider all flood water is contaminated. Always wear protective gear, such as boots, goggles, and rubber gloves, when dealing with floodwaters.
If you have come in contact with contaminated flood water, wash any part of your exposed skin with clean water and soap. You can even use alcohol-based sanitisers and wipes for this purpose.
Also, wash your contaminated clothes with detergent and hot water before reusing them, and immediately care for open wounds. It’s best to consult a medical professional to avoid any infection of your wounds.
What are the possible health risks from flood water?
The primary health issue from floodwaters is the transmission of various water-borne diseases that can be difficult to detect. These diseases can lead to diarrhea and other stomach illnesses, skin infections, wounds, and rashes.
Floodwaters can cause severe harm to human health as they contain other harmful and toxic substances, including:
- Human and animal waste
- Household wastes
- Medical and industrial biohazard wastes
- Vehicle and lumber debris
- Animals like snakes and rodents
Proper disposal and managing floodwaters after a heavy flood are imperative to avoid health risks from such toxic wastes.
Where Can You Get Safe Drinking Water After A Flood?
A shortage of clean drinking water is a common aftereffect of floods, as most private water supplies become contaminated with floodwater, chemical wastes, and debris. If your water shows distinct discolouration and tastes or smells weird, do not use it for cleaning or drinking.
You can contact your local council or visit the official website of the Department of Health to learn more about safely using private water resources after a flood. Also, contact your local water authority to get clean drinking water if your town’s main water supply is impacted due to flooding.
Manage Waste After A Flood
Sandbags are the first line of defence against flood water entering your house. The sand in these bags blocks the water flow by absorbing the floodwater. Since these sandbags come in direct contact with floodwater, they can become contaminated with pathogens, toxic chemicals, and human and animal wastes. Avoid reusing sandbags that have been directly exposed to flood water.
Proper management and disposal of these wastes can significantly help reduce pollution risks after floods. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) can manage waste disposal, treatment, emissions, discharge, and storage during emergencies.
Sort Your Waste for Efficient Disposal
Sorting waste into categories simplifies disposal and ensures recyclable materials are processed correctly. Common categories include:
- General Waste: Damaged furniture, carpets, and other non-recyclable items.
- Recyclables: Metals, plastics, and glass that can be salvaged.
- Hazardous Waste: Chemicals, oils, and batteries.
- Green Waste: Tree limbs, plants, and other organic debris.
Professional Waste Management Services in Wollongong
Professional rubbish removal services offer an efficient solution for large-scale waste removal or items unsuitable for donation or council services. King Gong provides eco-friendly waste management, including:
- Bulk flood waste removal
- Recycling of damaged appliances and furniture
- Safe handling of hazardous materials
Our team ensures responsible disposal, saving you time and effort during the flood recovery.
FAQs About How to Manage Waste After a Flood
Q: How do I know if my waste is eligible for kerbside collection?
A: Check with your local council for guidelines. Typically, kerbside collection accepts general household waste, green waste, and some building materials but excludes hazardous items.
Q: What is the cost of professional waste removal in Wollongong?
A: Costs vary depending on the volume and type of waste. King Gong offers competitive pricing for flood waste removal and eco-friendly disposal.
Q: Can I burn flood waste?
A: Burning waste is prohibited in most areas of NSW due to environmental and safety concerns. Use approved disposal or recycling facilities instead.
Q: How can I safely dispose of flood-damaged electronics?
A: Electronics should be taken to e-waste recycling facilities or managed by professional rubbish removal services.
Q: Are there free options for hazardous waste disposal?
A: Yes, the Household Chemical CleanOut Program offers free drop-off points across NSW for hazardous materials.
Conclusion: Efficient and Eco-Friendly Flood Waste Management
Knowing how to manage waste after a flood is vital to restoring normalcy while protecting your community and the environment. NSW residents can efficiently handle flood debris by leveraging local kerbside collections, temporary facilities, and professional services like King Gong. Remember, donating salvageable items and recycling wherever possible reduces landfill waste and contributes to a sustainable recovery.
Take the first step toward clean-up today by exploring the waste management options that best suit your needs.
