Residents reminded to dispose of trash safely after 3 sanitation worker injured in Reading, Pa.

Residents in Reading, Pennsylvania, were reminded to dispose of trash safely after at least three sanitation workers were injured by hazardous items in bags. City of Reading officials said the workers were hurt by materials placed in trash, including broken glass, and in some cases hypodermic syringes and other sharp objects. Steve Harrity, solid waste and recycling manager, said residents should wrap broken glass securely, place it in a sturdy bag, and tape it shut, and can add a note so collectors know the contents are dangerous. The guidance also extends beyond curbside pickup to parks, playgrounds, and city buildings where crews collect waste. The reminder follows a separate incident in Wisconsin where an improperly disposed oxygen tank exploded in a garbage truck, injuring a worker who suffered minor injuries after being hit by shrapnel but wearing safety goggles. Officials there said oxygen tanks should be returned to a medical supplier or taken to a household hazardous waste facility.