The Right Way to Throw Out Used Masks and Gloves

The COVID-19 pandemic brought masks and gloves into everyday use for millions of people worldwide. As we move forward, understanding how to properly dispose of used masks and gloves is essential for protecting our health, our communities, and the environment. Improper disposal leads to pollution, risks to public health workers, and hazards for wildlife. In this article, we'll detail the right way to throw out your used masks and gloves, discuss environmental impacts, and offer practical, easy-to-follow guidelines for everyone.

Why Is Proper Disposal of Masks and Gloves Essential?

Masks and gloves have become ubiquitous, but their improper disposal has unintended consequences. Let's explore why it's so crucial to dispose of them the right way:

• Health and Safety: Used PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) may be contaminated with viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens. Improperly discarded masks and gloves can spread infections in the community.
• Protecting Waste Workers: Sanitation workers and cleaners are at risk when exposed to used PPE not discarded properly, increasing their chances of contracting diseases.
• Environmental Impact: Disposable masks and gloves, particularly those made from plastics or nitrile, can take centuries to decompose. They contribute to landfill waste and often end up polluting oceans and water bodies, threatening marine life.

The Different Types of Masks and Gloves

Masks

• Medical/Surgical Masks: Designed for one-time use. Made of multiple layers of synthetic material.
• N95/Respirators: Offer higher filtration and protection but are also intended for limited use.
• Cloth Masks: Made of cotton or other fabrics, washable and reusable compared to disposable options.

Gloves

• Nitrile Gloves: Synthetic rubber, resistant to chemicals and viruses. Disposable.
• Latex Gloves: Natural rubber, used in medical and cleaning settings. Disposable.
• Vinyl Gloves: Made from PVC, less durable but generally used for low-risk tasks. Disposable.

Understanding the material is important because the disposal method for reusable masks differs from that for **disposable masks and gloves**.

Can You Recycle Masks and Gloves?

Many people wonder if it's possible to recycle masks and gloves. Unfortunately, most single-use masks and gloves are not recyclable through standard curbside programs due to contamination risks and their material composition. They must never be placed in recycling bins.

• Masks: Surgical and N95 masks contain layers of polypropylene plastic, which are not accepted in typical recycling.
• Gloves: Latex, nitrile, or vinyl gloves cannot be recycled with plastic or paper, as they may be contaminated and gum up machinery.

There are a few specialized recycle programs (such as TerraCycle) for PPE, but these are not widely available for the general population.

Step-by-Step Guide: The Correct Way to Dispose of Used Masks and Gloves

1. Remove Masks and Gloves Safely

1. Wash your hands before and after touching used PPE.
2. **For gloves:**
   • Pinch the outside of one glove near the wrist and peel it away, turning it inside out.
   • Hold the removed glove in your gloved hand, then slide your ungloved finger under the wrist of the remaining glove and peel it off over the first glove.
3. Masks:
   • Remove the mask by the ear loops or ties--avoid touching the front of the mask.

2. Place Used PPE in a Sealed Bag

• Place all used masks and gloves in a small plastic or biodegradable bag.
• Tie the bag securely before disposing.

Tip: If you do not have bags, wrap the used PPE tightly in tissue or paper before placing it in the trash.

3. Dispose in a Designated Trash Bin

• Never throw masks or gloves on the street, parking lots, or down toilets -- this causes pollution and additional health risks.
• Place the sealed bag in an appropriate waste bin (general trash, not recycling).
• Where available, use designated PPE disposal bins often found outside supermarkets, hospitals, and pharmacies.

4. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly

After handling used PPE and waste containers, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

5. *Do not reuse single-use PPE*

• Single-use masks and gloves are not designed to be disinfected and reused.
• If you wish to minimize waste, opt for washable/reusable cloth masks where appropriate.

What NOT To Do When Throwing Out Used Masks and Gloves

• Do not litter. Littering used PPE contaminates land and water and poses serious health risks.
• Do not put PPE in recycling bins. This contaminates recyclables and endangers recycling facility workers.
• Do not burn masks and gloves at home. Burning plastic-based items can produce toxic fumes.
• Do not flush PPE. Flushing leads to clogging and environmental harm in waterways.

Following the right procedure not only keeps our environment clean but also reduces the burden on waste management systems and landfill sites.

The Environmental Problem: Masks, Gloves, and Pollution

Since the pandemic began, billions of masks and gloves have entered the global waste stream. Many incorrectly thrown in the environment have harmed wildlife and caused blockages in sewage systems. Environmental organizations warn that plastic pollution from PPE could outlast the pandemic itself.

• Marine animals can mistake masks and gloves for food, leading to injury or death.
• Birds and small mammals have been found entangled in elastic mask straps.
• Microplastics from degraded PPE accumulate in food chains.

How to Reduce Environmental Impact?

The least we can do is to dispose of PPE responsibly. Some additional steps to consider:

• Cut the ear straps on masks before discarding to avoid wildlife entanglement.
• Opt for reusable masks and gloves where safe and appropriate.
• Consider using biodegradable masks and gloves. Some companies offer compostable alternatives, but check if these can be processed by your local waste management system.

Special Cases: Disposing of PPE in Public Places

If you need to change your mask or gloves while outside, carry a small resealable bag with you. Place any used items in your bag until you find a proper trash bin. *Never* leave used PPE in shopping carts, store aisles, or streets.

• Hospitals and clinics: Use the red or yellow "biohazard" bins if available.
• At home: Bag and bin as regular household waste as described above.
• Workplaces: Request management to provide designated PPE bins.

Tips to Reduce Waste from Masks and Gloves

• Switch to reusable masks whenever possible, washing them after each use in hot water and detergent.
• Limit glove use to when it's absolutely necessary. Frequent hand washing is often a safer alternative for most daily activities.
• Encourage your family, friends, and coworkers to follow correct disposal practices and educate them about the risks of improper PPE disposal.
• Support or advocate for community PPE waste collection programs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I burn used masks and gloves at home to reduce waste?

No. Burning masks and gloves, especially those made from plastics, releases toxic chemicals into the air. Always dispose of them using the regular waste system.

What should I do with used cloth masks?

Cloth masks can be washed and reused. Place them in a sealed bag if they're visibly soiled until washed. Replace them if they become damaged or excessively dirty.

Are there any safer alternatives to disposable PPE?

Yes. For most non-medical settings, opt for multi-layer cloth masks and limit glove usage by relying on thorough hand hygiene.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Throwing Out Used Masks and Gloves

• Never throw masks or gloves on the ground or flush them.
• Place used PPE in a sealed bag before putting it in the trash.
• Do not recycle disposable masks and gloves.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling used PPE and trash.
• Choose reusable options where possible to reduce environmental impact.

Conclusion: Protect Others, Yourself, and the Planet

The surge in personal protective equipment usage was an essential response to the COVID-19 crisis. Now, it's everyone's responsibility to ensure these life-saving items don't become sources of harm. By knowing the right way to throw out used masks and gloves, you're helping to keep your neighborhood clean, safeguarding sanitation workers, and protecting the natural world.

Spread awareness about safe PPE disposal--and make it a regular habit to follow these steps. Every properly disposed mask or glove counts towards a safer, healthier, and cleaner future.