Disposing of waste during COVID-19
Disposing of waste during COVID-19
Face Masks/PPE
Please dispose of face coverings/PPE in your ‘black bag’ waste bin at home/work, or a litter bin if you’re outside.
You only need to double bag them and store them for 72 hours before disposing if you are showing symptoms/self-isolating.
Read guidance on how to make and wear a reusable cloth face covering to prevent and reduce waste.
If you run a business or organisation
Read guidance for employers and businesses on working safely during coronavirus.
You should:
- provide extra bins for additional waste face coverings and PPE and any other additional waste, such as takeaway packaging
- make sure that face covering/ PPE are not disposed of in a recycling bin
- empty bins often so they do not overflow and create litter
For more guidance, please read this.
You do not need to collect PPE separately but, if you do, you must describe and code your waste correctly.
You can put used disposable face coverings and PPE in an ‘offensive waste’ collection (yellow bags with a black stripe), if you have one.
You may be able to use specialist PPE recycling services for some items.
Ask your waste contractor if you have any questions.
Cleaning waste
If you’re producing additional waste because of extra cleaning of work places etc you should dispose of this waste as normal, in the ‘black bag’ waste bin.
If you’re managing a suspected or confirmed outbreak of coronavirus follow the guidance on cleaning non-healthcare settings.
If you or a member of your household is self-isolating at home, follow the stay at home guidance on how to dispose of cleaning materials.
Litter picking during coronavirus
If you see litter you can report it to your local council.
If you collect littered face coverings or PPE, handle these with care and dispose of them in a ‘black bag’ bin, not in a recycling bin. You should use safety equipment, including thick gloves, litter-pickers and heavy-duty bags.
Read further information on the Keep Britain Tidy website and guidance on staying safe outside your home.
