SWANA says improperly disposed of PPE a concern during COVID-19

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) says via a release sent April 7 that the substantial increase in improperly discarded gloves and masks is concern for the association. As the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) grows to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the amount of litter and trash has increased along with it. SWANA urges Americans to dispose of these materials properly and recycle right during this pandemic, stating it is even more crucial now than ever before.

“No one should be leaving used plastic gloves or masks on the ground in a parking lot or tossing them into the bushes,” SWANA Executive Director & CEO David Biderman says. “Discarding contaminated PPE on the ground increases the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and has negative impacts on the environment.”

Increased litter due to improperly discarded gloves and masks has been reported by a growing number of media outlets, including the Chicago Tribune, New York Daily News and the Boston Globe.

SWANA reminds the public to use fresh PPE to avoid cross contamination and properly dispose of used items in the trash.