Don’t be a tosser – throw your face coverings and gloves away properly

As more and more of us are wearing facemasks to prevent a local lockdown, make sure you are taking your single-use PPE or face coverings home or throwing items away responsibly.

Under new regulations, members of the public now need to wear face coverings that cover the nose and mouth in enclosed public spaces, such as supermarkets, indoor shopping centres, banks and post offices, as well as takeaways.

If you need to throw away used face coverings or gloves:

• dispose of them in your ‘black bag’ waste bin at home or at work, or a litter bin if you’re outside
• do not put them in a recycling bin as they cannot be recycled through conventional recycling facilities
• take them home with you if there is no litter bin - do not drop them as litter

You do not need to put them in an extra bag or store them for a time before throwing them away unless you, or a household member, are self-isolating at home. If this is the case, you should double bag and then store for 72 hours before putting in a bin bag in your general waste bin.

According to research from scientists at UCL, if every person in the UK used one single-use mask each day for a year, that would create 66,000 tonnes of contaminated plastic waste and create ten times more climate change impact than using reusable masks.

Analysis shows that disposable masks would cost every person in the UK £189.80 a year and if every person in Rochdale wore a disposable mask each day for a year, collectively it would generate 222 tonnes of plastic waste.

Another reason not to drop PPE and face coverings on the floor is its impact on wildlife. With over 900 RSPCA reports of animals injured or caught in litter in Greater Manchester over the last five years, properly disposing of your gloves and face coverings when you’re out and about is more important than ever.

Speaking earlier this year, head of the RSPCA’s wildlife team, Adam Grogan said: “Our staff are dealing with thousands of incidents every year where animals and birds have been impacted by litter - and they’re the ones that we know of. I’m sure for every animal we’re able to help there are many that go unseen, unreported and may even lose their lives.

“Litter is one of the biggest hazards our wildlife faces today - and it’s something that’s very easy to resolve. That’s why we’re calling on the public to take extra care to clear up after they’ve been out for a walk or enjoyed a picnic in the woods.

“Now that the government has eased some of the lockdown restrictions, we’re sure lots of families will be out and about in nature. But it’s our job to protect nature and that includes properly and responsibly disposing of our litter so that animals can’t be hurt.”

 

 

Coverings do not need to be medical masks, which are for the use of frontline staff, and can be a fabric covering, scarf or bandana, but disposable masks are being used by many.

Children under 11 and those with certain disabilities are exempt from face coverings, like on public transport. Everyone should undertake frequent hand washing and careful social distancing.

You should wash and reuse cloth face coverings to prevent and reduce waste.

Remove PPE carefully, and avoid touching the inside of your face covering.

After you remove your PPE or face covering, wash your hands or use hand sanitiser.

If you are voluntarily collecting littered face coverings or PPE, please handle with care before throwing into the general waste. You should use safety equipment, including thick gloves, litter-pickers and heavy-duty bags.

If you’re concerned about the welfare of an animal, please contact the RSPCA’s emergency hotline on 0300 1234 999.