How to Dispose of Personal Protective Equipment

Thanks to the infectious nature of the novel coronavirus, it has become more important for individuals to be more hygiene conscious. Part of this involves being kitted with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizing gel or wipes. Unfortunately, PPE can be easily contaminated and hence should not be disposed of carelessly. Studies have found that the pathogen that causes coronavirus can survive on various surfaces for a long time, including PPE. This article will talk about ways to properly dispose of PPE after use.

• Proper Disposal of Used Gloves
• How to Dispose of Used Masks
• Method of Disposing Wipes
• Disposal of Paper Towels and Other Personal Protective Equipment
• Personal Protective Equipment is Just the Beginning

Proper Disposal of Used Gloves

As you will notice during this time, many who venture out for grocery shopping and even to work often wear disposable gloves. However, wearing gloves from one place to another will only spread germs. It’s important to change your gloves as often as possible. If you are wondering how to remove a contaminated glove from your hands, you can follow the guide provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Once you remove your gloves, the next thing to do is properly dispose of them in a trash can. Do not throw them on the ground or leave them lying around. Additionally, Waste Advantage Magazine recommends that used gloves, especially medical gloves, should be bagged before discarding.

While some gloves are recyclable, this isn’t advisable due to the pandemic. By properly disposing of gloves after use, you ensure the safety of everyone around you. If you wish to reduce waste, you can go without gloves. In this case, you should wash or sanitize your hands after visiting each store.

How to Dispose of Used Masks

The use of a nose mask is one of the self-care ideas recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which offers tutorials on when and how to use them. This type of personal protective equipment has proven highly effective in reducing exposure to viruses, germs, or diseases. But research findings have also shown that germs can live on a used face mask for a long period, ranging from several hours to a few days. Therefore, it’s important to dispose of used face masks in responsible ways. If you are using a disposable mask, avoid throwing it away in an open waste bin in a public place, like workplaces, parks, or stores. A contaminated mask left in the open can pose a health hazard to other people.

There are three types of masks, and each has a specific disposal method.

Cloth Mask: Cloth masks can be reused; all you need do is to wash it properly after use and hang it to air dry. Ensure you have more than one cloth mask. This way, you can interchange them and always have a clean on ready to go. The CDC also offers advice on how to make, wear, and wash cloth masks.

Surgical Mask: These are masks mostly worn by medical personnel and front-line workers. The disposal of this personal protective equipment requires more care and attention. When removing the mask, start from the chin and move upwards. Ensure that you remove the mask using the strings, and do not touch the front part of the mask. Once it has been taken off, fold it inwards to prevent exposure of droplets from the nose and mouth. Continue to fold the mask onto itself until it looks like a roll. You can also wrap the ear loops while folding the mask. Next, wrap the mask in a polythene bag and discard it in a waste bin. Wash your hands with soap and water after disposal.

N95 Respirator Mask: These masks are scarce and in short supply. They aren’t meant for routine general use by the public. To dispose of a used N95 respirator mask, hold the ear loops on both sides to take it off. Ensure you do not touch the inside of the mask while doing this. Also, ensure you take it off gently to avoid disseminating contaminants that are in the mask. When the mask has been removed, place it in a paper or plastic bag, seal the bag, and dump it into a garbage bin. Afterward, wash your hands with soap and water.

Method of Disposing Wipes

Antibacterial wipes are essential during this time, as they serve as a disinfectant to wipe the surfaces of chairs, tables, gadgets, door handles, and so on. However, it is important to learn the proper disposal of wipes after use.

Despite some manufacturers claims that wipes are flushable, many municipal plumbing systems aren’t designed to flush wipes. The only things that are meant to go down the drain are bodily fluids and tissue papers. Ensure that wipes are deposited into a trash can after use, and also ensure you wash your hands afterward.

Disposal of Paper Towels and Other Personal Protective Equipment

While it’s ok to flush tissue paper down the toilet after use, the same cannot be said for paper towels and napkins. This is because these types of bulk paper products can block the toilet plumbing due to their thickness and nonbiodegradable composition. The best place to dispose of paper towels and other paper products is a trash can.

Personal Protective Equipment is Just the Beginning

The use of personal protective equipment—along with social distancing, good hygiene practices, and other safety precautions recommended by health organizations—will ensure environmental wellness for everyone during this time. However, using these items is not enough. We must also go a step further and dispose of them the right way. Learning the proper disposal methods of personal protective equipment will go a long way toward flattening the curve and keeping you healthy.