Geez,

I'm sorry, but that's weak. You don't want to pick up a beer can, pop bottle, or coffee cup, because you might get cooties?

Pardon me while I roll my eyes.

I have been picking up trash alonside the river for 30 years, plus. I have yet to incur an injury while doing so. I suggest that you will be safe in doing so. Yes, with bare hands.

I'll apologise in advance for the excessive sarcasm. We as a society have been taught a fear of contamination that is unreasonable. I would not pick up a condom or a hypodermic while cleaning litter without a glove or other appropiate material in place. But cans, fishing tackle, and even gross stuff like diapers are not going to kill you.