The Dos and Don'ts of Throwing Away Used PPE Gear

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has become a staple in everyday life, especially in health care, industrial work, schools, and even daily commutes since the onset of global health crises. Whether it's masks, gloves, goggles, or full-body suits, the correct disposal of used PPE gear is essential for public safety, environmental sustainability, and the overall effectiveness of these protective measures. If you're unsure about how to throw away PPE gear responsibly, this comprehensive article is here to guide you through the established best practices and critical missteps to avoid.

Why Proper Disposal of PPE Gear Matters

All too often, used PPE ends up tossed carelessly into regular trash bins, on the streets, or even in waterways. This not only poses significant health risks to sanitation workers and the community, but also creates serious environmental hazards. PPE items such as masks, gloves, and gowns are typically made from plastics or synthetic fibers that don't break down easily.

• Improperly disposed PPE can spread infectious diseases.
• PPE litter clogs drains and pollutes aquatic ecosystems.
• Wildlife may ingest or become entangled in discarded PPE.
• PPE waste contributes to the growing plastic pollution crisis.

Given these hazards, learning the dos and don'ts of discarding PPE gear is a public responsibility that everyone must share.

What Counts as PPE Gear

Personal protective equipment includes an array of items designed to protect individuals from exposure to hazards. The most common types of PPE used during health emergencies include:

• Face masks (surgical and N95)
• Disposable gloves (nitrile, vinyl, latex, polyethylene)
• Goggles and face shields
• Protective gowns, aprons, and coveralls
• Disposable shoe covers

Recognizing these items is the first step in ensuring they're handled and disposed of appropriately.

Major Risks of Incorrect PPE Disposal

Incorrectly throwing away PPE gear is not a harmless mistake. It has both short-term and long-term repercussions:

• Transmission of Disease: Pathogens can survive on the surfaces of used PPE for hours to days. Carelessly discarded gear can infect others who come into contact with it, especially sanitation workers.
• Environmental Impact: Most PPE is not biodegradable. Thrown into the environment, it can persist for years, gradually breaking down into microplastics and polluting soil and water.
• Legal Consequences: In many regions, improper disposal of hazardous medical waste, including PPE, is subject to fines or penalties.

The Dos of Throwing Away Used PPE Gear

1. Always Remove PPE Safely

• Take off your PPE with clean hands, handling only the straps or edges -- never touch the contaminated surfaces.
• Sanitize your hands immediately after removing each item.

2. Dispose of PPE in Designated Waste Streams

• If available, use marked PPE disposal bins. These are specially designed for contaminated materials and are often found in hospitals, clinics, or public places.
• If you're at home, treat used PPE gear as potentially hazardous. Double-bag it in securely tied plastic bags.

3. Label or Separate PPE Waste When Appropriate

• If you or someone in your household has been ill, label the bag as "hazardous" or "potentially infectious."

4. Follow Local Guidelines for PPE Disposal

• Check your local government or waste management authority's recommendations. Some areas have special PPE pick-up services or drop-off points.

5. Encourage Others to Dispose of PPE Properly

• Spread awareness in your community or workplace about the correct disposal of used PPE gear.

6. Wash Hands After Disposal

• After successfully disposing of your used protective equipment, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

The Don'ts of Discarding PPE Gear

1. Don't Throw Used PPE in Public Areas

• Never toss masks, gloves, or other PPE on the street, in parks, or in waterways. Not only is this unsanitary, but it also directly harms the environment and wildlife.

2. Don't Mix Used PPE with Recyclables

• PPE contaminated with germs or hazardous substances is not recyclable in regular recycling streams. Mixing them can endanger recycling facility workers and contaminate other materials.

3. Don't Reuse Disposable PPE

• Avoid the temptation to reuse disposable masks or gloves. They are designed for single use only, and reusing them increases the risk of exposure or spreading contaminants.

4. Don't Burn PPE in Open Fires

• Burning PPE can release toxic fumes and microplastics into the air, further endangering your health and the environment.

5. Don't Flush PPE Down Toilets

• Items like masks and gloves can clog sewage systems, leading to costly repairs and environmental contamination.

6. Don't Handle Used PPE Without Protection

• If you must handle someone else's discarded PPE, use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

What to Do with Reusable PPE

Not all PPE is disposable. If you have reusable gear, such as cloth masks or goggles, follow these steps:

• Clean thoroughly after each use as per manufacturer instructions, usually in a hot wash or using disinfectants.
• Inspect for wear and tear -- damaged PPE should be disposed of following the correct procedures.

PPE Waste Management for Businesses and Institutions

Employers, schools, and healthcare providers bear a greater responsibility when it comes to handling PPE waste. Here are best practices for organizational settings:

• Install dedicated PPE disposal bins in strategic and accessible locations.
• Train staff and students on proper PPE removal and disposal techniques.
• Arrange for prompt and specialized collection of medical or biohazardous waste, as per legal requirements.
• Provide hand sanitizing stations next to disposal bins.

Dealing with Large Quantities

• Large-scale PPE users must partner with certified hazardous waste collectors.
• Keep records of PPE waste volumes and disposal methods for audits and safety checks.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives and Their Disposal

Environmental concerns have fueled the development of more sustainable PPE options, such as biodegradable masks and gloves. If you're using sustainable or compostable PPE:

• Read manufacturer guidelines -- some compostable options are only industrially compostable.
• Never compost PPE contaminated with viruses or bodily fluids in home composters; dispose of it as regular hazardous waste.

How to Reduce PPE Waste

While proper disposal is critical, reducing the overall volume of PPE waste is equally important. Here's what you can do:

• Opt for reusable PPE whenever possible and appropriate (e.g., cloth masks for non-medical use).
• Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
• Choose PPE brands that use recycled or compostable materials.
• Encourage responsible use and disposal practices at home, in the workplace, and within your community.

FAQs about Disposing of PPE Gear

Can I recycle used masks or gloves?

No. Used PPE is not suitable for recycling and can contaminate other recyclable materials. Always discard them in the trash following safety guidelines.

Is it safe to throw PPE in the regular trash?

While not ideal, it is often necessary if specialized bins are unavailable. Double-bagging and securely tying the bags reduces the risk of contamination.

What if I see PPE litter in public?

If you decide to pick it up, use gloves or a grabber tool, and dispose of it properly. Wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Should I wash disposable masks before throwing them away?

No. Washing disposable masks breaks down their filtering layers, making them less effective before disposal. Simply throw them away securely.

Conclusion: Responsible PPE Disposal is Everyone's Responsibility

Safe and sustainable disposal of used protective equipment is a crucial part of public health, environmental preservation, and pandemic response. Whether you're an individual, a business, or a community leader, knowing the dos and don'ts of throwing away PPE gear equips you to protect yourself, others, and our planet. By following the recommended guidelines and spreading awareness, we can all help limit the spread of disease and keep our world cleaner and safer.

Let's make mindful disposal of PPE a daily habit--for today, and for the future.