Tips On How To Dispose PPE Equipment Waste

In medical facilities, personal protective equipment (PPE) is part of standard safety procedures. However, in recent years, PPE equipment use has become a part of daily life and is commonplace even outside such facilities. PPE items like face masks, disposable gowns, and gloves, among others, aim to curtail the spread of infectious diseases.

Properly disposing of these supplies after use is equally crucial, as it also minimizes the likelihood of exposing those around us to harmful organisms. With this in mind, consider the following tips for hygienically disposing of PPE:

Proper Removal Procedure

The first step to proper disposal of this equipment is hygienic removal after use. Improper handling could result in contamination. Failure to exercise due caution after such exposure could inadvertently spread disease-causing pathogens.

For instance, when removing a face mask, the recommended procedure is to hold the ties rather than the front part, as this could be contaminated. The same rule applies when handling other PPE waste—avoid touching potentially contaminated areas. Immediately discard the item in the appropriate waste bin and thoroughly wash hands using soap and water or hand sanitizer.

Have the Right Disposal Facilities in Place

Using appropriate waste bins also goes a long way in reducing the spread of infection. At home, disposing of this waste is relatively straightforward as you can simply use the regular solid waste disposal bins. Never place them in recycling bins as they are not recyclable.

At the workplace, it is advisable to opt for touch-free waste bins to reduce employee exposure to contamination. For easy access, you can place closed bins in all high-traffic areas, including lobbies, entrances and exits, parking areas, kitchens, and elevators. Make sure to exercise care to empty them before they overflow.

Disposing of Standard PPE

Even when there is no reason to suspect an infection, properly disposing of PPE waste at home and elsewhere shows that we care about cleaning teams. Therefore, as an extra precautionary measure, make it a practice to place them in a plastic waste bag and tie or seal it.

When PPE Waste Is Exposed to Infection Sources

When these protective items are exposed to possible infection, there is a need for additional caution. After placing them in a plastic bag and tying it, place the bag in a second one and tie it too. Safely store the waste bag for at least 72 hours or until you get test results.

If you get a negative test result before the 72 hours elapse, place the waste bag in the regular solid waste system. If the results are positive, wait 72 hours before placing the bag together with the general waste.

Cleaning Waste Bins 

Particularly in the workplace, there should be a routine for cleaning PPE waste bins. Persons assigned to handle this should dress appropriately to reduce the risk of exposure and use a disinfectant to eliminate potential disease-causing pathogens.

Optimizing the Benefits of PPE Use Through Proper Disposal

Properly using personal protective equipment has had apparent benefits in controlling the spread of infections. However, it is imperative that we extend the same level of caution in disposing of hazardous waste to optimize the benefits of PPE use. Doing so will go a long way in protecting the people around us.