The Right Way to Throw Away Gloves, Masks, and Other PPE Items

In the wake of global health concerns, there has been a massive surge in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and masks. While PPE plays a vital role in safeguarding public health, its improper disposal has led to mounting environmental challenges and potential risks to human health. Knowing the correct method to discard gloves, masks, and PPE is now more important than ever.

Why Is Proper PPE Disposal Important?

The incorrect disposal of gloves, masks, and other protective equipment can contribute to environmental pollution and the spread of contagious diseases. These items can often be seen littering streets, waterways, and public spaces. PPE waste poses risks not only to wildlife and the environment but also to sanitation workers and the general public.

Environmental Impacts: Most disposable masks and gloves are made of plastics like polypropylene, which take hundreds of years to decompose.
Health Risks: Used PPE can be contaminated with pathogens, increasing the risk of disease transmission if handled improperly.
Public Safety: Littered PPE may block drains, enter the food chain, or cause accidents.

waste disposal waste collection

Identifying the Types of PPE Waste

Before understanding how to throw away protective equipment properly, it's essential to identify the different types of PPE and their corresponding disposal requirements. The main categories include:

Disposable gloves (latex, nitrile, vinyl)
Disposable face masks (medical, surgical, and cloth masks)
Face shields and protective goggles
Gowns and aprons
Sanitary wipes and hand sanitizer containers

Each type may have specific disposal guidelines based on its material, level of contamination, and potential for recycling.

General Guidelines for Throwing Away Gloves, Masks, and PPE Items

When disposing of personal protective equipment, consider both safety and environmental responsibility. Here are the right steps to follow:

1. Never Litter PPE Items

Discarding masks and gloves on streets or in public spaces increases pollution and health hazards. Always search for the nearest waste bin.

2. Do Not Recycle Used PPE in Household Recycling Bins

Most disposable gloves and masks are not recyclable through standard municipal recycling systems because they contaminate the recycling stream and pose health risks to workers.

3. Use a Sealed Bag for Contaminated PPE

If the PPE has come into contact with bodily fluids or is used in medical settings, place it in a small plastic bag, seal it securely, and dispose of it in the general waste (landfill) bin. Never flush PPE items down the toilet as it causes blockages and pollution.

4. Wash Your Hands After Disposal

After removing and discarding PPE, immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use a hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable.

5. Follow Local Regulations

Regional waste collection services sometimes provide specific guidelines or collection points for PPE. Always follow the instructions issued by your local waste management authority.

Step-by-Step: Disposing of PPE the Correct Way

Remove PPE Safely: Take off gloves and masks carefully without touching the exterior. If gloves were used, peel them off from the inside out.
Bag It: Place all used PPE in a rubbish or trash bag, preferably one that is leak-proof.
Seal and Label (if required): For healthcare or high-risk settings, seal the bag tightly and mark it as PPE waste.
Dispose in General Waste: Deposit the bagged PPE in your main garbage bin, not the recycling or composting bin.
Clean Up: Finish by thoroughly cleansing your hands and any surfaces the PPE may have touched.

PPE Disposal in Medical Facilities vs. Households

Medical Facilities

In hospitals, clinics, and care homes, strict protocols govern PPE disposal to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Medical waste bins, typically lined with red or yellow bags, are used for clinical or biohazardous waste. These are sent to specialized facilities for incineration or treatment.

Sharps and contaminated PPE should always go in designated hazardous waste containers.
Color-coded bags are used to separate PPE waste based on contamination risk.

Households

Most households can safely dispose of gloves and masks in the regular trash. However, if someone at home is infected, extra precautions should be taken:

Double-bag the PPE waste.
Seal the bag and wait 72 hours before putting it in the curb-side bin to minimize infection risks.

How to Discard Different Types of PPE Safely

1. How to Throw Away Disposable Gloves Safely

After use, remove gloves by peeling them off from the wrist, turning them inside out. Do not reuse disposable gloves. Place immediately in a waste bin. Avoid touching your face or any surfaces before washing hands.

2. How to Dispose of Face Masks Properly

Remove masks using the ear loops or straps.
Avoid touching the outside of the mask, as it may be contaminated.
Place the mask directly in a garbage bin or trash bag.
Cut the ear loops to prevent animals from becoming entangled if the mask ends up in nature.

3. Handling Face Shields and Goggles

If face shields or goggles are single-use, dispose of them as you would with masks and gloves. For reusable ones, disinfect thoroughly according to manufacturer's guidelines before each use.

4. Disposing of Gowns and Aprons

Most disposable gowns are for one-time use and should be bagged and disposed of in general waste if not visibly contaminated. If blood or bodily fluids are present, follow biohazardous waste procedures, especially in healthcare settings.

Are Gloves, Masks, and PPE Items Recyclable?

Most PPE items are not recyclable via curbside recycling bins due to contamination risks and the composite plastic materials used. However, some specialized programs accept specific PPE waste streams for recycling.

TerraCycle and other innovative companies offer PPE recycling initiatives for bulk users and businesses, converting used items into new products. However, these services are not always available to individuals.
Cloth masks can sometimes be washed and reused or repurposed, but disposable masks and gloves should be trashed.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives and Solutions

The surge in single-use PPE has heightened the global plastic pollution crisis. Individuals and organizations can help by choosing eco-friendly alternatives and adopting sustainable habits.

Use washable, reusable cloth masks where appropriate. Wash them regularly with hot water and detergent.
Consider biodegradable gloves for non-medical tasks when possible.
Encourage research and support for biodegradable or recyclable PPE technologies.
Engage in community clean-up efforts to help collect and dispose of littered PPE in your neighborhood.

Special Considerations: PPE Waste During Pandemics

High rates of PPE consumption during outbreaks such as COVID-19 require heightened attention to waste management practices. Disease transmission can occur via discarded masks and gloves, especially if handled carelessly.

Households with illness: Double-bag PPE waste and isolate it before general disposal.
Quarantine scenarios: Consult local health guidelines for specific disposal protocols.

Protecting Sanitation Workers

Sanitation workers face higher risks when handling household garbage containing used PPE. To reduce exposure:

Double-bag any potentially contaminated waste.
Clearly mark PPE waste bags if local services require it.
Place bags securely inside the trash bin (never leave exposed or on top).

Myths About PPE Disposal

Myth: PPE items can be recycled in standard household bins.
Fact: Most PPE is not accepted in curbside recycling due to contamination risks.
Myth: It's safe to toss used masks and gloves anywhere.
Fact: Improper disposal is hazardous -- always use a bin.
Myth: Burning PPE is a good home disposal option.
Fact: Burning plastics releases toxic fumes and should only be done in regulated facilities.

Quick Tips: The Right Way to Discard Masks and Gloves

Never litter: Always place PPE in a trash bin.
Do not flush: Masks and gloves can clog pipes and pollute water sources.
Don't recycle used PPE: Standard recycling does not accept soiled personal protective equipment.
Wash hands thoroughly: Before and after handling PPE.
Educate others: Share proper disposal tips with your community.

Summary: Making a Difference with Responsible PPE Disposal

Understanding the right way to throw away gloves, masks, and other PPE items is crucial for protecting our health, our communities, and the planet. Act responsibly by ensuring all PPE is always discarded safely and never left as litter. Choose reusable options whenever possible, stay informed about local disposal rules, and encourage others to follow best practices.

By taking these steps, you play a vital role in mitigating the impacts of PPE waste and creating a safer, cleaner world for everyone.