Used PPE Disposal Update

In recent months, Dorset’s lockdown restrictions have eased meaning that many businesses have now welcomed their employees back into the work space. As a result, it’s not surprising that the usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), face coverings and cleaning materials in the workplace has increased significantly. But did you know that once PPE has been used, it is considered hazardous? Ensuring employee, visitor and customer safety whilst following government guidance is a key responsibility for business owners and managers. When it comes to PPE, this means that it is vital to provide compliant supply AND disposal. As this process may be new to many businesses, we have written this article to explain the correct process of PPE disposal and how Commercial Recycling can help with your hazardous waste disposal. What are a business’ responsibilities when it comes to PPE? The governmental agency Health and Safety Executive states that PPE must be provided to any worker who may be at risk in the workplace. In the current pandemic, this means that anyone who is unable to maintain social distancing while working should be equipped with the appropriate PPE. The responsibilities of the employer do not end there; correct PPE disposal is also their responsibility and the hazardous waste disposal must be done at a licenced facility, such as Commercial Recycling. Can’t transport your waste yourself? We can provide man and van waste collections. Tips for compliant PPE use Of course, simply providing and disposing of PPE as you would any other waste is not enough. You must make sure that you are complying with government regulations in doing so. Following these tips will help to ensure that you are up to standard in your use of PPE. Provide separate bins in the workplace As stated before, PPE can not be thrown away with your normal commercial waste. Face coverings and other types of PPE can not be recycled in conventional ways, therefore they can not be put in any recycling or general waste bins. If you are looking for a secure, compliant bin for your PPE, our hazardous waste boxes are the ideal solution. Just give us a call on 01202 331560 to order your hazardous waste box. Ensure that PPE is worn only once ‘When should PPE be disposed of’ is a common question. The answer is simple; if the PPE you are supplying is the type that can only be worn once, then it should be disposed of after its first usage. After this first wear it becomes hazardous waste and you should follow the hazardous waste disposal regulations. As an employer, you must make sure that your staff know this information and reinforce this rule. Empty bins regularly Although this might seem obvious, the bins need to be regularly emptied so that staff always have a place to correctly dispose of their used PPE. If bins are close to or full, users may be more inclined to retain the PPE so that it can be disposed of at a later date, or even reused. Empty, easy to use bins are likely to encourage your staff members to comply with PPE disposal rules. Work with a waste disposal partner, such as Commercial Recycling Your hazardous waste disposal must take place at a facility that is licenced to receive and process hazardous waste. Canford Recycling Centre and Southwood Recycling Centre are able to handle a wide variety of waste, including your PPE disposal, at a competitive rate. If you would like to know more, our team would be happy to answer your questions, just call us at 01202 331560. You can learn more in our recent article on the implications of Covid-19 on waste disposal. How we can help Commercial Recycling can help your business in many ways, but especially with your hazardous waste disposal. We can supply your business with one of our hazardous waste boxes. These are the ideal place to dispose of used PPE, and will allow for redundant PPE to be separated from your general waste. They can also be used for a variety of other hazardous waste types. See the full list of hazardous wastes we accept. We have two disposal sites that are fully licenced to accept PPE disposals and hazardous waste; Canford Recycling Centre and Southwood Recycling Centre in Somerset If you are unable to drop off your hazardous waste, you can request a collection. We can either do this as a one off, or we can set up a scheduled collection. For whichever option you choose, it can only be done if you pre-book a disposal slot, so simply contact us online or phone ahead on 01202 331560 to make an appointment.

For more information on Used PPE Disposal Update talk to Commercial Recycling Centre LTD