Jakarta Environment (LH) Agency has handled 905 kilograms household medical waste in form of used mask from July to August 23, 2021.

Jakarta Environment (LH) Agency Head, Syaripuddin mentioned, his side has a program to handle hazardous and toxic (B3) medical waste from patients categorized as People Without Symptoms (OTG) who undergo self-isolation at home.

"Medical waste pick-up service from house to house is carried out based on request made by OTGs which is coordinated by Environment Unit Head. We can also do it based on data and information on OTGs obtained from sub-district health centers or local urban villages," he conveyed, Wednesday (8/25).

He explained that cleaning staffs sort and collect infectious waste, such as used masks, to be handled properly. The collected used masks are temporarily stored at the nearest Depot/TPS.

In managing the waste, LH Agency cooperated with licensed third parties in transporting and destroying B3 medical waste.

"Medical B3 waste which is stored temporarily at nearest TPS/Deppot will be destroyed by licensed third party. LH Agency also uses other alternative in processing the waste using incinerator found at PLTSa Merah Putih Bantar Gebang," he stated.

Because used masks are categorized as infectious waste, he expected residents to realize the importance of sorting waste, especially during the pandemic.

"People can sort and separate their waste first. Then, spray it with disinfectant and package it separately with other waste. After that, it is our responsibility for further handling," he said.