BANYUWANGI - The Banyuwangi Police Satpolresta, East Java revealed the origin of the rapid packaging that was widely scattered in the waters of Ketapang. It was revealed that the garbage came from one of the rapid antigen test booths which are now mushrooming in the local area.
Head of Banyuwangi Polresta Polair Polresta Kompol Jeni Al Jauza said the police had carried out an inspection at one of the rapid antigen outlets which was located close to the waste center. From the results of the inspection, the store owner admitted that the garbage came from his outlet.
"There, the outlet clarified that it was true that they owned the waste. But what was thrown away in the garbage disposal was only the packaging. Not medical waste," he said, Monday, January 31.
This is also confirmed by the results of site inspections. The police found that the outlet managed its medical waste properly. Garbage has been classified according to categories.
The used swab test kits have been separated and placed in a special container which is still being accommodated. For rapid packaging waste, it is disposed of in the general trash can.
"Because they feel that they are not classified as medical waste, the shop owner disposes of the garbage in a household garbage dump which happens to be located on the seafront," he said.
The police also provide understanding and education to store owners. Regardless of whether it is medical waste or not, littering is wrong.
"We are only here to make sure the issues circulating in the community. Regarding this action, it will be the authority of the Environment Service or Health Service and the Banyuwangi COVID-19 Task Force," he said.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Banyuwangi Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI), Dr. Yos Hermawan, said that the rapid antigen packaging was not included in medical waste or B3 waste.
"The packaging is not included in medical waste. In contrast to tools or cotton rapid antigens, syringes, expired drugs are medical waste. Latex gloves need to be confirmed first whether they are used for medical purposes or not. Because nowadays many people are also using latex gloves," he said.
However, his party also does not justify the act of throwing garbage in any such place. Because according to him it clearly causes pollution and damages the environment.
"Yes, if it is disposed of carelessly, it is clearly not allowed. Yes, even though the packaging must be disposed of in the right place," he said.
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