Omar Khalid
Plastic gloves have become a common sight since the COVID-19 pandemic, with many people wearing them to protect themselves from the virus. However, incorrect disposal of plastic gloves can result in viruses and bacteria spreading due to cross-contamination. Therefore, it is important to dispose of plastic gloves properly to avoid contamination and harm to the environment. So, how should you dispose of plastic gloves?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Disposal method | Place in a rubbish bin or a designated area for disposal |
| Contamination | Germs and toxic chemicals may remain on the gloves |
| Environmental impact | Gloves can end up in the environment and oceans, causing pollution and harm to wildlife |
| Biodegradability | Latex gloves are biodegradable, but not recyclable |
| Reuse | Gloves should not be reused as they lose their strength and protective barrier over time |
| Safety | Gloves should not be thrown on the ground or littered in parking lots |
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What You'll Learn
Don't litter plastic gloves
Plastic gloves are a necessity in the healthcare industry and have become a common sight since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is important to dispose of them properly and not litter them.
Firstly, plastic gloves are a form of plastic pollution and can harm the environment. They can end up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans, adding to the plastic waste that already affects marine life and ecosystems. Plastic does not biodegrade but breaks into smaller pieces over time, which can have a devastating impact on wildlife.
Secondly, plastic gloves can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 and other pathogens. The virus can survive on surfaces for hours or even days, so littered gloves can be a source of contamination. This is a health risk for anyone who comes into contact with them, especially those tasked with picking up this hazardous waste.
Thirdly, littering plastic gloves is illegal in many places and can result in fines or other penalties. It is also a waste of resources as gloves cannot be recycled or reused if they are littered.
Finally, there are simple and safe alternatives to littering. Used gloves should be placed in a trash can or a designated disposal area. Some companies, like TerraCycle, also offer glove recycling services. During the pandemic, it is crucial to prioritize safe disposal to protect public health and the environment.
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Use a bin with a plastic liner
When disposing of plastic gloves, it is important to be mindful of anything you touch while wearing them, as the germs and bacteria you are trying to avoid by wearing gloves will likely be on the gloves themselves. Incorrect disposal of gloves can result in viruses and bacteria spreading due to cross-contamination.
If you suspect that your gloves are contaminated, you should take them off and dispose of them in a bin with a plastic liner. This is because disposed gloves, especially those that have been in contact with harsh chemicals, can break and tear into smaller pieces, which makes them difficult to pick up and throw away. No one else should have to pick up your dirty, possibly contaminated, gloves. It is best to put the gloves in a plastic bag and throw them out in your trash once you get home.
If you are disposing of multiple pairs of gloves, it is important to use a bin of the appropriate size. Conduct a waste audit ahead of time to determine the number of gloves disposed of on a regular basis and choose the size of your bin accordingly. Place bins in high-traffic areas with clear visibility, such as near sinks, exits, and common areas.
It is crucial to never throw used gloves on the ground for someone else to deal with. This is harmful to the environment and can cause serious issues for human health. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused people to take up more rigorous hygiene regimens, but it is important to remember that the pathogen causing COVID-19 can survive on different surfaces for hours or even days, so observing appropriate disposal protocols is crucial.
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Wash hands with hot, soapy water
It is important to properly dispose of plastic gloves after use to avoid contamination. If you suspect that your gloves are contaminated, you should take them off and dispose of them in a trash can. You should then put on a fresh new pair of disposable gloves.
Washing your hands with hot, soapy water is an effective way to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. This is especially important after removing contaminated gloves. Here are some detailed steps to ensure proper handwashing:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water. The water temperature should be warm or hot, as this can help kill germs more effectively than cold water.
- Apply soap to your hands. It is recommended to use the amount suggested by the manufacturer. Soap helps to loosen and remove germs and dirt from your hands.
- Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 seconds. Ensure that you cover all surfaces of your hands and fingers, including the backs of your hands, palms, between your fingers, your fingertips, and under your nails. A thorough handwashing should last at least 15-20 seconds. To help time this, you can hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice, which roughly takes 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water to remove any soap residue and the germs it has lifted from your skin.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer. It is important to dry your hands thoroughly, as germs can be transferred more easily to and from wet hands.
- If possible, use the towel to turn off the faucet to avoid recontaminating your hands by touching the tap.
Washing your hands with hot, soapy water is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining good hygiene and preventing the spread of diseases, especially after handling plastic gloves that may be contaminated.
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Gloves can be recycled
Nitrile gloves are recyclable, but contaminated gloves, such as those exposed to biohazards or chemicals, should be disposed of as hazardous waste. This is because contaminated gloves can spread viruses and bacteria through cross-contamination, endangering human health and the environment. To recycle uncontaminated nitrile gloves, you can use a Zero Waste Box™ by TerraCycle, which recycles disposable gloves into raw materials for manufacturing companies. TerraCycle also offers recycling services for non-hazardous disposable gloves in Australia.
Companies and organizations can implement recycling initiatives for plastic gloves by customizing recycling bins with effective graphics and labels, ensuring they are the right size, and placing them in high-traffic areas near sinks, exits, and common areas. This is especially beneficial for companies dealing with hazardous waste, medical professionals, and individuals in the food industry. By conducting a waste audit, organizations can determine the number of gloves regularly disposed of and choose the appropriate bin size. Communicating the initiative clearly to employees and staff is also crucial to its success.
While recycling gloves is important, reducing glove usage and switching to more recyclable options are the best ways to lessen environmental impact. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, it is recommended to prioritize safe disposal over recycling to protect public health. Instead of relying solely on gloves, washing your hands with hot, soapy water after running errands or visiting multiple stores can effectively reduce the spread of the virus.
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Gloves are biodegradable
Plastic gloves are an essential tool in our fight against the spread of COVID-19. However, incorrect disposal of gloves can result in viruses and bacteria spreading due to cross-contamination. It is important to dispose of them properly to avoid this and to reduce the harm caused to the environment.
Another option for biodegradable gloves is EcoSafe® Compostable Food Service Gloves, which are BPI® certified to break down in commercial compost facilities. These gloves are a sustainable alternative to traditional latex, nitrile, and vinyl gloves, which are often not biodegradable. EcoSafe® gloves are made from EcoVio®, a compostable polymer, and are suitable for a variety of tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and polishing.
To properly dispose of biodegradable gloves, it is recommended to bag them before throwing them away in a trash can. Some companies, like TerraCycle in Australia, offer recycling services for used disposable gloves. For companies that deal with hazardous waste, medical professionals, and individuals in the food industry, a customized recycling bin for collecting plastic gloves can be beneficial. These bins should be placed in high-traffic areas, preferably near sinks, exits, and common areas, with clear graphics and labels indicating their purpose.
By choosing biodegradable gloves and disposing of them properly, we can help reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and contribute to a greener planet.
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