If you're unsure whether an item is hazardous, notify your supervisor.

When you’re out there on the route, handling a bag, a container, or a stray item can feel routine—until it doesn’t. Maybe you spot a bottle with a strange label, a container you don’t recognize, or something leaking. In those moments, the safest move isn’t guessing. It’s pause, then ask for direction. Specifically: tell your supervisor what you found and ask for instructions.

Let’s break down why this matters and how to handle it smoothly.

What counts as hazardous, anyway?

Hazardous materials aren’t always obvious. Some items clearly scream danger—a broken battery with exposed terminals, a bleach bottle with mixed cleaners, a drum with a skull-and-crossbones label. Others are trickier: an unknown liquid, a container with faded markings, or a pile of items that feel warm to the touch. In sanitation work, you’ll encounter household chemicals, paints, solvents, pesticides, medical waste, batteries, pesticides, and sharp objects. Even things that seem harmless can be risky if they’re mixed improperly or left in the wrong environment.

The key tool you have is knowledge—and the folks who know how to use it. Labels, stickers, and the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) provide clues about hazards, but you don’t need to read every label to know this: when you’re unsure, treat it as potentially dangerous and seek guidance.

Why not handle it “carefully” or just assume it’s safe?

Because safety is a team sport, and one person’s guess can affect many people—co-workers, residents, and the environment. Handling an unknown item with care sounds reasonable, but what if the item reacts with nearby materials, or if the container is compromised? Disposing of something without the right method can cause spills, contamination, or exposure to harmful substances. Assuming safety can lead to exposure, legal trouble, or harm that’s hard to undo.

So, what should you do if you’re unsure?

The correct answer is simple, even if the moment feels tense: notify the supervisor for directions. When you’re uncertain, you don’t guess. You stop, you document what you see, and you pass the baton to someone with the training to identify and handle it properly.

Here’s a practical way to act, step by step:

• Stop and assess from a safe distance. Don’t touch or move the item until you’ve got guidance.

• Keep others away. If you’re near a sidewalk, driveway, or work area, cordon off the space with cones or tape if you have it handy, or at least put distance and barriers between people and the item.

• Note what you can observe without handling it. Container type, color, labeling, any odors (only if it’s safe to detect smells), location, and approximate size. Jot this down or radio it in.

• Notify your supervisor or dispatcher right away. Use the normal communication channel you rely on—radio, phone, or your usual signal—so they know there’s a potential hazard awaiting assessment.

• Follow directions exactly. The supervisor may ask you to isolate the area, seal off access, or wait while they arrange a hazardous materials (HazMat) team, an SDS check, or a proper disposal path.

• If you need to wear PPE, put it on as directed. That might mean gloves, eye protection, a mask, or a splash apron—whatever protects you while you wait for instructions.

• Do not attempt to label, package, or dispose of the item on your own. Mislabeling or improper packaging can escalate risk.

What a supervisor brings to the table

Your supervisor isn’t just someone you report to; they’re the person who can translate a confusing clue into a safe action plan. They’ll:

• Identify the item using labels, container types, and available documentation.

• Check the SDS for hazards, handling instructions, and disposal requirements.

• Decide the appropriate handling and disposal method, coordinating with the right resources (like a HazMat contact or environmental services) if needed.

• Provide you with clear steps to follow so you can stay safe and keep the community safe.

This is not about being overly cautious; it’s about following a proven protocol. A good supervisor helps prevent accidents, not merely react to them. And yes, this approach protects you, your teammates, and the people and places you serve—from homes to streets to schools.

What if you’ve already moved a bit too close?

If you’ve gotten closer than you should have and you suspect exposure or a spill, report it immediately. Don’t try to “fix” it on the spot. Follow your agency’s spill response plan, use available spill kits, and document the incident as required. Quick, clear communication can prevent a small incident from turning into a big one.

Real-world scenarios to keep in mind

• Scenario A: You spot a plastic jug with a faded label and a strong chemical odor near a curb. You stop, keep the area away from kids and pets, and call the supervisor for a safe handling plan. The supervisor directs you to set up a temporary exclusion zone and arranges a HazMat consult for proper disposal.

• Scenario B: You find a sealed metal drum with a corrosion around the lid and a red “hazard” sticker that’s partly peeled. You don’t open it. You request guidance, log the observation, and wait for instructions. The drum is treated as hazardous until proven otherwise.

• Scenario C: A bag looks ordinary, but it’s bulging and smells odd. You don’t guess its contents. You radio in, share what you see, and follow the precise steps from your supervisor—perhaps moving the bag to a designated safety area or arranging for a proper pickup.

The culture of safety matters as much as the rules

Safe work isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about the habits you build every day. Training helps, but real safety lives in how you react when you’re unsure. If you’re working with a crew that encourages questions, you’re in a good place. When the first instinct is to freeze or hide uncertainty, that’s a red flag that the system isn’t supporting you.

Tips to strengthen safety habits without slowing you down

• Keep a simple, quick checklist in a pocket or your phone notes: Stop. Observe. Notify. Follow directions.

• Learn common labels and symbols used in your area. Familiarity makes the “not sure” moment a little less nerve-wracking.

• Practice with your team: run through mock scenarios in a non-emergency setting so you’re comfortable with the process when a real item appears.

• Have the right gear ready. A compact spill kit, gloves, and eye protection should be part of your standard gear, not an afterthought.

• Report near-misses. If you almost encountered a hazardous item but managed to avoid it, tell your supervisor. Those near misses are gold for safety improvements.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Handling or moving uncertain items without guidance.

• Guessing danger level based on appearance or odor alone.

• Waiting too long to report something unusual.

• Assuming that if others handled similar items safely in the past, it’s safe to handle again.

A few quick, practical takeaways

• When in doubt, pause and ask. The safest choice is to involve someone who can verify the hazard and guide the next steps.

• Documentation matters. A quick note about what you saw can speed up a safe resolution.

• Your crew depends on you. Keeping the line of communication open and following the chain of command protects everyone.

Why this approach fits the job

Sanitation work covers a lot of ground—from streets and alleys to residents’ homes and business properties. You may be dealing with everyday trash one moment and a mystery item the next. The right action in uncertainty isn’t about risking a moment’s convenience; it’s about preserving health, safety, and environmental integrity for your entire community. It’s a simple principle with broad impact: don’t guess, consult.

A final thought

Safety isn’t a one-time checklist item; it’s a habit you cultivate. When you encounter something that isn’t obviously safe, choosing to notify a supervisor for directions is more than a rule—it’s a promise: to be careful, to protect others, and to handle the job with professionalism and care. After all, every item you encounter isn’t just a stray object on a curb—it could affect someone’s day, or even their health. And you’re in a position to do something meaningful about that, right now, with a quick heads-up and a clear plan.

If you’d like, I can tailor this guidance to your specific job setting—urban routes, suburban neighborhoods, or industrial zones—and pull in any local regulations or standard operating procedures you’re required to follow. The core idea stays the same: unsure about an item? pause, observe, and loop in your supervisor for safe handling. That’s how, together, you keep communities clean and safe—one responsible decision at a time.