What should be done with disposable ppe after use?

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an exponential increase in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) worldwide, including disposable face masks, gloves, and gowns. With more people using PPE, it is essential to understand how to dispose of these items safely and responsibly to prevent contamination and environmental damage. This article will discuss the importance of proper disposal of disposable PPE and ways you can help protect yourself and the environment.

The first and most crucial step in disposing of disposable PPE is to remove it correctly. Always use gloves to remove PPE because they could be contaminated with bacteria or viruses. Do not touch the exterior of the PPE when removing it, as it may contain infectious material. You should also dispose of the PPE promptly to avoid any cross-contamination.

Reference article: How to correctly wear and remove Protective Garments?

The best way to dispose of PPE is to place it in a closed bag or bin for hazardous waste. It is not advisable to mix such waste with regular household waste. Households should have a separate bag or bin to maintain the separation of hazardous waste. If you are unsure of where to take your PPE for disposal, please seek guidance from your local municipality or health department. Some communities have special disposal programs or facilities for hazardous waste.

The improper disposal of disposable PPE can have severe implications for both the environment and public health. For example, if used PPE is not properly disposed of, it could potentially spread infectious diseases. Additionally, disposable PPE poses a significant threat to wildlife and marine life if they end up in water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Keeping our environment clean is paramount; hence, it would be best to reduce the use of disposable PPE to the barest minimum. Replacing disposable PPE with reusable ones is a more sustainable solution to reducing environmental waste. The use of reusable PPE, such as washable cloth masks, can significantly reduce the amount of disposable PPE required. This move will also help conserve valuable resources that would have otherwise been used in producing disposable PPE.

To ensure PPE is safe and effective, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use it, how to dispose of it, and how long to keep it. Disposable PPE has a recommended time of use, which might vary based on the manufacturer's instruction or the nature of use. Always dispose of PPE after its recommended use to prevent cross-contamination.

We should all take responsibility for disposing of our disposable PPE properly. It would be useful to adopt safe disposal practices, such as using gloves, placing them in a closed bag for hazardous waste disposal, and cleaning the space where you removed it from. Remember, proper disposal of PPE helps keep our environment safe and protects us from the risk of infectious diseases. Furthermore, we can make a difference by reducing the use of disposable PPE and opting for reusable PPE in our daily activities. Let us all take the necessary steps to keep ourselves and the environment healthy and safe.