Amazon driver begs people not to put their packages on beds and counters: "This is how dirty..."

E-commerce has increased convenience for shoppers and people are buying more apparel and gadgets, among other products, than ever before. The swift delivery of products within hours or days at most, is enabled by a network of warehouses and pick-up points. But in a TikTok video, Alex (@aayyeelex), an Amazon delivery driver, advised customers against placing packages on beds, counters, or pillows, calling them gross due to the many delivery stops they’ve made and the facilities where products are stored.

She said, “As someone who works for Amazon, stop putting your boxes… on your bed and your counters." Streaks of dirt were visible on her skin when she raised her hand in front of the camera, even though she had washed it after coming back home. Alex added, “This is about 20 to 25 stops. It’s kind of gross.” Joining the chorus, another TikTok user @jxhzeel.a wrote, “As someone who works at Amazon PLZ STOP putting your packages on your bed or countertops.” As reported by the Daily Dot, she pointed at her sweatshirt, which was visibly covered in dirt. She added, “This is how dirty my BRAND new sweater got within the first hour of me working my shift."

When it comes to dirty packages, Amazon is not the only culprit. According to research conducted in October 2022 by the delivery software company Circuit, delivery packages contain six times more bacteria than toilet seats. However, several Americans have acknowledged that they don't sanitize their packages before opening them. Many consumers shared their experiences of dealing with Amazon's dirty packaging in the comment sections. One internet user, @mysystemnightmare mentioned that they have a bin specifically for the product packaging. The person said, “We put the packages there. We never put them on our beds or other places. It's just dirty!”

Another person, @tamarazenobia, said, "Duh!!!! The boxes have been traveling in dirty places and vans and such. I always wash my hands after managing my mail." Digital journalist Kim Komando also shared some advice on safely handling product packaging. As reported by Green Matters, she said, "If you have them, put on a pair of gloves and place your package in a safe, secure outdoor location, like the backyard, patio, or balcony, for 24 hours." For plastic packaging, she suggested that one should store it in a safe place for up to three days before unboxing it. She added, "Trace amounts of particles could still cling to the material, but they will be less likely to infect you or spread indoors."

She went on to emphasize the importance of safely discarding gloves right away and thoroughly washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Meanwhile, dirty hands aren’t just a problem with Amazon deliveries or packages in general. Bank cashiers and librarians have also pointed out that they face the same issue in their workplaces. That’s why it’s crucial to adopt hygienic habits such as properly sanitizing the packages after receiving deliveries.