Every year, people throw billions of tons of waste into their trashcans here in America and many of them don’t ever wash their hands after doing so. These trashcans are then left to sit in the hot sun, exposed to the elements, insects and wild animals. After just a couple days of this, harmful bacteria sets in and begins to grow. The homeowner goes out, throws away the trash and leftovers from the evening meal and that bacteria transfers onto their hands where it can be delivered anywhere on their body and that of their spouse or children.

This is how people become sick and this is how disease is spread. Do you know what diseases a dirty trashcan harbors? Do your customers know? Read on as we have listed the top 4 illness causing bacteria that you should watch out for.

Salmonella

Salmonella is a family of bacteria that can be found in eggs, poultry, raw meat and unprocessed milk. Discarded eggs shells or pieces of raw meat could contain salmonella, which will then be transferred to the trashcan. Salmonella poisoning can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches and fever.

E. coli

Escherichia coli is a bacteria that is found in uncooked beef, unpasteurized milk and in cucumbers. Therefore, any discarded products that are known to contain the bacteria can possibly contaminate trashcans. E. coli infection symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and tiredness.

Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes are germs that can be found in raw milk, meat, poultry and some vegetables and, unlike many other bacteria groups, they can flourish at low temperatures, which means they can be found in your refrigerator and then end up in your trashcan.

Common Cold Virus

Germs that cause the common cold virus can also find their way into trashcans via discarded napkins and tissues. One of the main culprits for causing colds are rhinoviruses; viral agents that proliferate in the noses of humans. As the cold virus is airborne, discarded tissues and napkins can contain the virus.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! There is more harmful bacteria hanging out in a dirty trashcan than in any other part of your home. Make sure your customers know to have a trashcan cleaning service clean their trash bins often to prevent them and their families from getting sick.