Waste management employees in New Jersey say they've seen an increase in residential garbage due to the stay-at-home order.

While some municipalities hire outside companies for trash removal, cities like Hackensack pick up residential waste through its Department of Public Works and Sanitation, maintaining a normal schedule during these tough times.

Hackensack's residential trash is collected through its Department of Public Works and Sanitation, which serves over 40,000 people.

Officials say while the trash collection schedule has not been changed, they are taking increased measures to keep crews safe.

The measures include requiring face covers and gloves at all times, allowing only the driver in the cab of the truck, decontaminating each truck daily and spraying down the trucks weekly with an industrial strength disinfectant.

Sanitation leaders say none of their employees have contracted coronavirus.

Last month, News 12 met with Leon Wisnewski collecting garbage in Westfield. He works for Republic Services, one of the largest solid waste removal companies in the U.S.

"Who's taking this virus away, actually taking it? You leave those bags on the street, we don't come pick them up -- what happens with that virus? It's gonna stay there," he says.

In a statement from Republic Services provided earlier this month, company representatives said, "At Republic Services, the health and safety of our employees, customers and communities are our top priority. We are confident that we have the necessary plans and protocols in place for protecting employees from coronavirus (COVID-19)."

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