Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) waste disposal - Commercial Waste (2024)

A number of businesses have asked us how to responsibly dispose of PPE waste, such as gloves, masks, wipes and cleaning cloths that have been used by staff, visitors or guests. Thankfully, disposing of PPE waste from your business is straightforward and easy. You will not need an expensive and unnecessary specialist collection for this type of waste (which some providers may try to make you buy). However, please never put any PPE (i.e. gloves, masks, wipes, cloths) in your recycling bin/bag under any circ*mstances. They are not suitable for recycling.

When dealing with PPE waste please refer first to the Public Health England advice and this DEFRA guidance.

Any PPE that has not been in contact with an infection source can be disposed of as general waste. In a situation where PPE waste is exposed to possible cases, please note the following:

1. PPE must be put in a plastic waste bag and tied when full.
2. This plastic bag should then be placed in a second bin bag and tied.
3. It should then be stored in a safe and secure place for 72 hours or until the individual’s test results are known.

PPE waste should be stored safely and kept away from children. You should not put your PPE waste in communal waste areas or on the street for collection. Please wait with this until negative test results are known or the waste has been stored for at least 72 hours.

• If the individual tests negative, PPE waste can be put in with the general waste. It is not necessary to double bag your PPE waste if it has not been exposed to the virus. All of the general waste we collect is sent to SELCHP for safe destruction by default
• If the individual tests positive, then store it for at least 72 hours and put it in with the general waste

If you want to speak to us about the safe disposal of PPE then please contact us.