Table of Contents

What is PPE? ................................................. 2

The Surge and COVID-19 .......................... 3

PPE Waste Production .............................. 4

Environmental Decline ............................... 5

How to Dispose of PPE .............................. 6

Alternatives to Single-Use PPE .............. 8

References ..................................................... 9
 What is Personal

Protective Equipment?

Personal protective equipment, also

known as PPE, are supplies that
decrease exposure to wounds and
illnesses. Due to the COVID-19
transmission that started in late
2019, there has been an increase in
PPE equipment as a way of personal
protection from the virus. Along
with the rise of equipment, there
has also been a surge on the mass
waste of improper disposal of PPE.
Some of the most commonly used
PPE include single-use gloves,
single-use face masks, and face
shields. The manual also includes
step-by-step instructions on how to
dispose of the equipment and
where it can be disposed of. This
guide will also discuss the
environmental damage of incorrect
disposal along with alternatives to
single-use equipment.
2
 The Surge and COVID-19

Pandemic
Due to the rapid spread of
COVID-19, there was an
accelerated supply-demand
for personal protective
equipment. While
transmission rates increased,
health care workers began to
encourage incoming infected
patients to also wear
protective equipment to
prevent the spread. As a
result of PPE manufacturers
limiting their products to
health care facilities during a
surge of cases; the majority
of hospitals restricted their
equipment use or did not
obtain the proper equipment.
Therefore, Initiating many
health care facilities
worldwide to get creative and
create alternatives to single-
use personal protective
equipment. 3
 PPE Waste Production

As cases of COVID-19 expanded worldwide, so did the usage

of personal protective equipment. Many viewed single-use
masks as a reliable source of protection from the COVID-19
virus. Due to the high demand for this protective equipment,
there has been an influx of mass waste produced from the
improper disposal of these products. Subsequently, harming
the environment at an alarming rate.

4
Environmental Decline

Prior to the COVID-19

pandemic, we were in the
midst of an environmental
decline. Due to the
contribution of improper
litter, experts have
articulated that we are in a
much worse position due
to the influx of toxic PPE
waste. The protective gear
has managed its way
through landfills which
have increased the
longevity of composition.
In addition, waste
management has been an
ongoing issue that
continues to impact the
environment. Therefore,
many facilities have
encouraged alternatives
and disposal methods.

5
How to Dispose of PPE

Step 1:
Wash your hands.

Step 2:
Take off your mask
by only touching the
elastic straps.

Step 3:
Cut the elastic
straps off with a pair
of scissors.

6
How to Dispose of PPE

Step 4:
Place the PPE inside a
plastic bag.

Step 5:
Dispose of the
plastic bag inside a
trash bin.

Step 6:
Wash your hands
thoroughly.

7
 Alternatives to Single-

Use PPE

In order to help the mass

waste production of personal
protective equipment, there
needs to be a limit on single-
use equipment. There are
several alternatives to single-
use equipment that limits the
use of these sole-use
supplies.

Some alternatives include:

Homemade masks
Bandanas/Scarves
Elastomeric respirator
Scuba diving masks
Snorkeling goggles

There are not many

alternatives to single-use
gloves, but it is recommended
to practice hand hygiene.

8
 References

Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Medical Glove Conservation Strategies during
COVID-19.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, https://www.fda.gov/medical-
devices/letters-health-care-providers/medical-glove-conservation-strategies-letter-health-care-
providers.

Chiang, James, et al. "Elastomeric respirators are safer and more sustainable alternatives to
disposable N95 masks during the coronavirus outbreak." International Journal of Emergency
Medicine 13.1 (2020): 1-5.

Connors, Lillian. “How to Dispose Face Masks in an Eco-Friendly Way.” Dumb Little Man,
30 Dec. 2020, https://www.dumblittleman.com/how-to-dispose-face-masks-properly/.

Corporativa, Iberdrola. “How to Dispose of Masks and Protect the Environment?” Iberdrola,
https://www.iberdrola.com/social-commitment/how-to-dispose-of-face-masks.

“Department of Labor Logo United States Department of Labor.” Personal Protective

Equipment - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
https://www.osha.gov/personal-protective-equipment.

“Disposal of Single-Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).” PPE Disposal Guidance -

Washington State Department of Ecology, https://ecology.wa.gov/Waste-Toxics/Solid-waste-
litter/PPE-disposal-guidance.

“Focus on: Disposal of Single Used Personal Protective ... - Wa.” Ecology.wa.gov, July 2020,
https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications/documents/2007020.pdf.

“Healthcare Providers.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, 8 Jan. 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/providers/index.html.

“Impacts of Mismanaged Trash.” EPA, Environmental Protection Agency,

https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/impacts-mismanaged-trash.

Kesarwaani, Shivaam, Somnath Saha, and Shivaam Kesarwaani. "Innovative alternatives of

PPE in Covid-19 pandemic-our experience." World J ENT Head Neck Surg 1.2 (2020): 2-7.

Kumar, Harender, et al. “Covid-19 Creating Another Problem? Sustainable Solution for PPE
Disposal through LCA Approach.” Environment, Development and Sustainability, Springer
Netherlands, 9 Oct. 2020, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10668-020-01033-0.