Advice issued on safe disposal of face masks as council sees increase in PPE in residents’ bins

Denbighshire residents are being asked to dispose of single-use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face coverings, in their non-recyclable waste container.

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increase in the volume of single-use face coverings and other PPE, which cannot be recycled.

All single-use PPE, such as face masks or disposable gloves, should be treated like other products likely to have come into contact with the human body, such as tissues or baby wipes, and placed in the black bin or pink sack for disposal.

All Denbighshire’s non-recyclable rubbish is safely incinerated at a purpose-built facility in Deeside.

Cllr Brian Jones, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Waste, Transport and the Environment, said: “Thanks to the tremendous effort of our residents, almost two-thirds of the rubbish we produce in Denbighshire is recycled.

“In December, we had a record-breaking month delivering 1,214 tonnes of recycling from blue bins.

“For most of our rubbish, recycling is the best possible option and contributes hugely to the protection of our environment, which is a priority for the Council under our Corporate Plan.

“None of our black bin waste is sent to landfill, instead it is being used as a fuel to generate electricity.

“However, paper-based face coverings or masks cannot be recycled, even if the packaging suggests they can.

“It is vital all materials with which we have personal contact are placed in the black bins so they can be safely disposed of without further human contact.

“This is always the case, but it is especially important during this pandemic.”

If you are self-isolating, or there is a confirmed case of COVID-19, at home then the council will continue to collect your rubbish as normal.

However, please ensure that any personal waste is double-bagged and allowed to stand for 72 hours before putting it out for collection in your black bin or pink sack.

The council also advises everyone wipes down the handles and lid of their collection bin before and after every collection and to thoroughly wash hands after dealing with any rubbish.

Personal products that should be put in the black bin or pink sack include, but are not limited to, disposable masks, gloves, other PPE, tissues, paper hand towels, disposable wipes, cotton wool, cotton buds, disposable nappies, incontinence products, feminine hygiene waste, plasters, dressings, toothbrushes, combs or any item that has been in close proximity to any person in your household.