Dispose Used Gloves And Face Masks Safely

If you’ve been to a store parking lot lately you may have seen a disposable glove or face mask lying on the ground.

Putnam County Health Department Director Lisa Bumbalough said this can impose a health risk to individuals.

“PPE is vital to our environment, and it’s vital to us,” Bumbalough said. “Disposing it is vital to us and disposing of it really improves our health and the safety of our community. We just really want to encourage everyone to properly dispose of it; a waste container is where it really needs to be put. That’ll  protect and ensure the safety of others around us.”

Self contamination can be a possibility if someone else picks up the items. Bumbalough said we all have a responsibility to protect our community. The CDC has guidelines how to properly dispose of these items. Bumbalough said it’s important to wash your hands after handling.

“The key for PPE removal and disposal is just to limit those opportunities for self contamination or for anyone in the environment that may come in contact with that PPE,” Bumbalough said.

Wash reusable gloves, masks, and gowns, and place in a contained environment. Bumbalough said bag disposable items and place in a waste container.