The Do's and Don'ts of Throwing Away Masks and Gloves

Masks and gloves became everyday essentials across the globe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Even as we recover and adapt to new norms, the responsible use and disposal of masks and gloves remain critical for both public health and environmental safety. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into the do's and don'ts of throwing away masks and gloves with a focus on keeping our communities safe, minimizing waste, and protecting our planet.

home household

Why Correct Disposal Matters

Disposable masks and gloves--whether surgical, N95, or nitrile--are invaluable for risk reduction. However, when not disposed of properly, they create substantial risks:

Public health hazard: Used items can harbor infectious agents that may endanger sanitation workers and others.
Environmental pollution: Masks and gloves contribute to plastic pollution in oceans, rivers, parks, and streets.
Wildlife threat: Animals may mistake these items for food or become entangled in them.

Let's explore the essential do's and don'ts for mask and glove disposal.

The Do's of Throwing Away Masks and Gloves

Handle with Care Before Disposal

Wash or sanitize your hands before and after touching your mask or gloves. Even if you are removing them from your own face, this step prevents cross-contamination.
Always remove gloves properly: grasp the outside of one glove at the wrist without touching your skin, peel it away, hold it in the gloved hand, then slide fingers under the wrist of remaining glove, peel away, and discard.
Carefully remove masks by the ear loops or straps--avoid touching the front of the mask.

Properly Dispose in the Right Bin

Bag used masks and gloves in a small, sealable bag before placing them in your general trash. This extra step helps keep waste workers safe and prevents accidental exposure.
Use appropriate household or public trash bins. Do never flush masks or gloves down the toilet or throw them in recycling bins--they can cause blockages and contaminate recycling streams.

Follow Guidelines Issued by Local Authorities

Different communities or workplaces may have specific advice or bins for PPE (personal protective equipment) disposal. Always check with your local waste management authority to follow the latest regulations.
If feeling sick, double bag all used items and hold for 72 hours before disposal, as recommended by some health departments, to limit the spread of pathogens.

Educate Others and Advocate for Safety

Share correct mask and glove disposal information with your community and workplace. Advocacy reduces litter and protects frontline workers.
Encourage businesses and public spaces to provide clearly marked PPE waste bins and instructions for patrons.

Consider Eco-Friendlier Options

Opt for reusable masks made of cloth where appropriate and wash them regularly. This reduces the volume of waste.
If gloves are not medically required, use hand washing or sanitizer as a safer and more sustainable alternative.

The Don'ts of Throwing Away Masks and Gloves

Don't Recycle Single-Use Masks and Gloves

Never put disposable masks or gloves in your home recycling bin. These items are not recyclable through traditional municipal recycling programs and may cause the whole batch to be discarded.
Avoid wish-cycling--placing something in the recycling bin in hope that it will be recycled. Disposable PPE can jam recycling machinery and endanger sorting facility workers.

Don't Litter or Discard in Public Spaces

Do not drop your mask or gloves on the ground, sidewalks, parking lots, or nature trails. Littered PPE is unsightly and presents a health hazard to others, including children and animals.
Never throw PPE out of moving vehicles or public transport.

Don't Reuse Disposable PPE

Single-use masks and gloves are designed for one-time use only. Reusing them increases your risk of contamination, defeats their purpose, and can accelerate breakdown of materials.
Do not attempt to wash or sanitize disposable masks and gloves for reuse--they are not designed to withstand this process.

Don't Flush Masks and Gloves

Never flush masks or gloves down the toilet. These items can cause sewage backups, blockages, and overflows, disrupting critical municipal services and polluting waterways.

Don't Burn Masks or Gloves Yourself

At-home burning of PPE releases toxic chemicals into the air and is not a safe or environmentally sound option. Regulated facilities designed to burn medical waste are equipped with the proper filtration systems.

Environmental Impact of Improper Mask and Glove Disposal

The impact of mismanaged PPE waste is being felt globally. According to studies, the world is now dealing with tens of millions of extra tons of plastic waste from disposable masks and gloves. These items often contain polypropylene and other plastics that can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, breaking down into microplastics.

Marine life in danger: Masks' and gloves' elastic loops can entangle fish and seabirds, while microplastics can enter the food chain.
Aesthetic blight: Littered PPE is now a common sight in streets and parks, reducing quality of life.
Municipal strain: Waste management systems have been burdened by the surge of PPE, leading to additional costs and logistical challenges.

Alternative Solutions to Reduce PPE Waste

Switch to Reusable Masks Where Possible

Reusable cloth masks, when worn and cleaned properly, provide effective protection and drastically cut down on single-use waste. Use multiple fabric layers and wash daily. This is especially recommended for everyday community use when not in a high-risk medical setting.

Properly Dispose of PPE in Bulk Settings

For hospitals, gyms, schools, and offices, consider adding specialized PPE waste bins that are lined, covered, and regularly emptied.

Partner with companies or programs that safely collect and process PPE.
Some private recycling initiatives accept disposable masks and gloves for proper processing--research local options.

Research Innovative Materials

Manufacturers are developing more environmentally-friendly, biodegradable masks and gloves. While these are not yet mainstream, support for such options can accelerate adoption and help limit plastic pollution over time.

How to Teach Children Good Disposal Habits

Children are impressionable and learn best by example. Make learning about throwing away masks and gloves responsibly fun and educational:

Create simple household routines--such as a 'PPE disposal spot'--so children know where to put their used items.
Explain why proper disposal matters in easy-to-understand terms: "When we throw our masks in the trash, it keeps the earth cleaner and animals safer."
Use posters or visual cues near the trash bin as reminders.

Frequently Asked Questions on Mask and Glove Disposal

Can I recycle my disposable mask or glove with plastic bottles?

No. Disposable masks and gloves are made of complex materials often contaminated with bodily fluids. They should be disposed of in the general waste, not recycling bins.

If my mask looks clean, can I reuse it?

No. Used masks, even if they look clean, may harbor germs and lose effectiveness. Always follow manufacturer guidelines.

Is there a way to compost masks or gloves?

Most are not compostable due to synthetic materials. Some innovative biodegradable options are entering the market, but check labels and local guidelines before composting.

Can I bring my PPE waste to a hazardous materials drop-off?

Most municipal hazardous waste centers do not accept personal-use PPE. Your household waste or designated PPE bins are the appropriate place.