Proper disposal of PPE

Question

Could you please provide clarity on the proper disposal of PPE?
What type of bin should be used? Can certain types of PPE be disposed in domestic bins (e.g. masks)?

Short Answer

If PPE is worn with a person who is known or suspected to have COVID-19 then it should be disposed of in a healthcare risk waste bin (yellow). If a healthcare risk waste bin is unavailable, the following procedure should be followed:

1. All items of PPE should be disposed of into a plastic bag
2. The bag should not be filled more than three quarters full
3. The bag should be securely tied and placed inside another second, plastic bag (double bag)
4. The bag should be stored securely for 72 hours and can then be disposed of with general domestic waste

If PPE is worn in the absence of a specific known risk of COVID-19 it can be discarded immediately as general domestic waste. There is no distinction made between different types of PPE in terms of disposal procedures.

The content of this document is correct as of 11/12/20.

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