Simple Tips for Properly Throwing Away PPE Items

Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and face shields have become everyday essentials for people worldwide. Whether you are a healthcare worker or an individual practicing daily safety, knowing how to dispose of PPE items properly is critical. Incorrect disposal of PPE can lead to environmental pollution, harm to wildlife, and increased risk of virus transmission. This comprehensive guide provides simple tips for throwing away PPE items safely and responsibly, ensuring you do your part for public health and the environment.

Why Proper PPE Disposal Matters

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for widespread use of personal protective equipment. However, its increased use also led to a dramatic rise in improper disposal. Let's examine why it's so essential to dispose of PPE waste correctly:

• Environmental Impact: PPE items like masks and gloves are made of non-biodegradable materials that persist in the environment for decades. Improperly discarded PPE can litter streets, parks, and waterways, harming terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
• Public Health Risks: Used PPE may carry viruses or bacteria. When left in public places, such waste increases the risk of infection for sanitation workers and the general public.
• Wildlife Threats: Animals can get entangled in disposed gloves and masks or mistake them for food, leading to injury or even death.

_Simply throwing away gloves and masks without thought can have far-reaching negative consequences. But with a few proactive steps, you can help prevent these problems._

What Counts as PPE Waste?

Before you can learn how to throw PPE away properly, it is important to know what items are considered PPE waste:

• Disposable face masks (surgical masks, N95, KN95, etc.)
• Single-use gloves (latex, nitrile, vinyl)
• Face shields and protective goggles
• Disposable gowns and aprons
• Antibacterial wipes and tissues used with PPE

Reusable PPE, like cloth masks and certain face shields, should be cleaned and sanitized according to manufacturer instructions. Only dispose of them if they're damaged or at the end of their usable life.

Simple Tips for Disposing of PPE Items Safely

1. Never Recycle Single-Use PPE

A common mistake is putting used masks and gloves in the recycling bin. PPE waste should never be recycled. These items are made of synthetic fibers and plastics that are not compatible with standard municipal recycling facilities. They can also contaminate recycling streams and pose health risks to workers handling recyclables.

• Always dispose of used PPE in the regular trash, unless your local authority provides a special collection program.
• Do not place used masks or gloves in public recycling or compost bins.

2. Prepare PPE for Disposal

It's important to prepare PPE items before throwing them away to minimize the spread of germs and prevent them from becoming litter:

• Bundle Gloves Together: If you used gloves, turn one glove inside out over the other to enclose both gloves in a single package. This helps prevent contamination.
• Fold Masks: Fold disposable masks in half so that the contaminated side is on the inside. Tuck the ear loops around the folded mask to keep it secure.
• Tie Up Gowns and Aprons: If you used disposable gowns or aprons, roll them up securely and knot or tie them closed if possible.

Taking these precautions makes it less likely the contaminated surfaces will contact anything else or escape from the trash.

3. Use a Dedicated PPE Bin If Possible

Consider keeping a separate trash can lined with a plastic bag specifically for PPE waste. This simple step can help contain potentially infectious material and makes proper PPE disposal more convenient.

• Mark the bin with a label, such as "PPE Waste Only", to remind household members or coworkers where to throw away masks and gloves.
• Seal the bag well when the bin gets full and discard it with your regular garbage. Wash your hands after handling the bag.

4. Do Not Litter

Sadly, littering of PPE has become a common sight on sidewalks, parking lots, and parks. Discarding masks and gloves in public spaces is more than unsightly; it endangers community health and the environment.

• Always carry a small, sealable bag with you to temporarily store used PPE until you can reach a proper waste bin.
• If you see improperly discarded PPE, practice social distancing but use a tool (such as tongs) and wear disposable gloves if you choose to pick it up. Dispose of the found PPE safely and wash your hands immediately.

5. Wash Your Hands After Disposal

After handling used PPE and disposing of it, always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. This minimizes your risk of potential exposure to germs from the PPE item.

6. Follow Local Guidelines

Disposal regulations for PPE items may differ based on your country, city, or institution. Some areas may have designated bins for PPE, and businesses or hospitals might handle this waste differently from households.

• Check with your local waste authority or municipal website for the latest information on PPE waste management and follow their procedures accordingly.
• In healthcare settings, always comply with the facility's protocols for treating potentially infectious waste.

Special Cases: How to Dispose of Different PPE Items

1. Face Masks (Surgical, N95, Cloth)

Single-use masks (surgical, N95, KN95) should be disposed of in the regular trash after use. For cloth masks, follow these tips:

• If your cloth mask is still usable, wash it after each use and reuse it.
• If the mask is damaged, worn out, or too soiled to clean, cut the mask into pieces to prevent reuse and dispose of it in your household waste.
• Consider alternatives to disposable masks, such as reusable fabric masks, to reduce your environmental impact.

2. Disposable Gloves

Gloves made of latex, nitrile, or vinyl should never go in recycling. Follow these practical disposal steps:

• Remove gloves carefully to avoid touching their exterior surface. The "inside-out" method is best.
• Bundle the gloves together and place them in the trash, not the recycling bin or yard waste bin.

3. Face Shields and Goggles

Plastic face shields and goggles can sometimes be disinfected and reused. If disposable, check if your local recycling facility accepts hard plastics (unlikely for items exposed to bodily fluids or viruses). Otherwise, dispose of them in the trash.

• Disassemble parts (such as plastic elastic bands) to reduce bulk.
• Bag them together with other PPE waste for safe handling.

4. Antibacterial Wipes and Tissues

Used wipes and tissues are not recyclable. Dispose of them in a trash can. Never flush wipes, as they do not break down and may clog sewage systems.

How to Reduce Your PPE Waste Footprint

While proper disposal is essential, reducing the amount of PPE you throw away also helps protect the planet. Here are some sustainable strategies:

• Use Reusable PPE: When possible, opt for washable fabric masks and reusable face shields.
• Buy in Bulk: Purchasing PPE in bulk can reduce packaging and lower carbon footprints.
• Store PPE Properly: Keep unused PPE clean and dry so it does not need to be discarded before use.
• Encourage Safe Practices: Educate family, friends, and coworkers about the importance of proper PPE disposal and waste reduction.

Innovative Disposal Solutions

In response to the surge in PPE waste, some companies and communities are developing new disposal systems:

• Specialized PPE recycling programs collect used masks and gloves to convert them into energy or repurpose plastics. Look for mail-in programs or drop-off bins in your area.
• Some manufacturers are designing biodegradable face masks that break down naturally, reducing long-term pollution.

Common Myths about Throwing Away PPE

• Myth: "It's safe to recycle masks and gloves as plastic."
  Fact: Most single-use PPE items cannot be recycled with regular plastic due to contamination and material type.
• Myth: "Cloth masks belong in the trash after each use."
  Fact: Cloth masks are made to be reused. Wash after each use for continued protection.
• Myth: "It's okay to leave masks in nature; they will compost."
  Fact: Most masks and gloves are made of plastics and will not biodegrade, causing lasting harm to wildlife and the environment.

The Bigger Picture: Community and Environmental Responsibility

Each time you correctly throw away a PPE item, you are protecting both human health and the planet. Large-scale PPE usage is likely to remain part of our society during outbreaks and public health emergencies. By practicing responsible disposal now, you set a positive example for others and contribute to safer, cleaner communities.

Final Thoughts: Making PPE Disposal a Daily Habit

Properly disposing of PPE items is a simple yet significant action that prevents pollution, reduces infection risks, and promotes a cleaner habitat for all. Remember these key points:

• Never recycle or compost single-use masks and gloves.
• Prepare PPE for disposal - bundle, fold, and bag securely.
• Use a designated PPE waste container if available.
• Never litter PPE--carry a spare bag and always find a proper bin.
• Wash your hands after disposing of used PPE.
• Stay informed about local PPE disposal guidelines.

By following these simple tips for disposing of PPE items correctly, you not only protect yourself and others but also help tackle a growing environmental challenge. Let's make responsible PPE disposal a regular part of our daily routines!