An increase in littering, especially of protective masks and gloves, is being reported in municipalities around the area.

It has become such an issue that Catasauqua Emergency Management Agency created a graphic and posted it to its Facebook page informing residents of the dangers.

“A new type of littering has emerged during the pandemic as more people wear protective gear,” the post states. “Gloves, masks and disinfectant wipes can provide peace of mind for people venturing out of isolation to visit an essential business. But, unfortunately, many people have been tossing away their used gloves and masks wherever they want.

“Not only is it littering, but these items disposed of or left out in the open could be contaminated and expose others to the coronavirus,” the post adds. “Gloves and masks should be placed in your trash in securely tied bags such as a plastic bag or shopping bag.”

Joseph Carl, Catasauqua Borough emergency management coordinator, noted he was seeing the discarded gloves and masks around the downtown Catasauqua area where he lives.

One of the problem areas was the post office, according to Carl. He noted it is not the post office’s fault, but he was noticing a lot of gloves and masks thrown on the ground out front.

Carl urges people to discard of the masks and gloves in trash receptacles for a few reasons. The biggest reason is the danger to those who clean up the mess. These masks and gloves can potentially expose the person cleaning them up to sickness.

“If you are really so concerned about your health to be wearing them, understand the danger when you make someone else clean them up,” he said. “It’s not fair to whoever has to pick them up.”

Carl was also concerned about the gloves and masks being washed away into the sewers when it rains. This will clog up the pumps and cause damage to the system. He also reported people are flushing masks, gloves and sanitizing wipes down the toilet. He urges people to stop doing this to prevent clogs in the sewers.

“The best thing to do with all gloves, masks and wipes is to just dispose of them in the trash,” he said.

Whitehall Township Mayor Michael Harakal Jr. reported it is a problem in his municipality as well. He reported seeing the littering at the local Walmart and Lowe’s.

According to Harakal, a resident called him to complain about the mess outside of Walmart, so he went to speak with the manager. Harakal noted the manager told him employees do full sweeps of the parking lot each night and try to get out to clean during the day. It was mentioned it is hard to keep the lot clean throughout the day since the store has been so busy, and often times, the gloves and masks end up under vehicles.

Harakal noted that while it is the responsibility of the business to be keeping the property clean, we all should be doing our part and using proper trash receptacles.

Harakal mentioned he wants to start a litter patrol in the township to help with the issue on a broader scale - not only during the pandemic. He wants to reach out to some of the bigger companies in the area to get it started.

“I need to help direct the movement and get the retail centers on board,” he said.

Some new features he wants to see are increased signage about not littering, as well as better and more trash receptacles in business parking lots.

He noted retail businesses have taken a hit during the pandemic, and cleaner properties will help bring people back after businesses reopen.

“It’s in everyone’s best interest to keep it clean,” Harakal said.

To get us through this pandemic, Carl asks everyone to do their part and maintain social distancing, wash their hands and stay home.

“I know everyone’s probably sick of hearing it, but that’s the way we’re going to beat this,” Carl said. “We need to protect our people, including those out working at this time.”

He also urged residents to keep checking the Catasauqua Emergency Management Agency Facebook page for updates and health tips.