The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has significantly contributed to controlling the spread of SARS-CoV2. Its use is becoming increasingly common in our new normal, and not only for healthcare professionals. The CDC recommends wearing face masks and faces coverings when going out in public settings, especially in crowded areas where it can be difficult to maintain social distancing. People are also advised to use sanitary wipes and wear disposable gloves in specific situations.
The higher consumption of non-reusable or disposable PPE has caused acute shortages of PPE supplies, putting PPE manufacturing companies under pressure to produce PPE on a large-scale. Other than that, the disposal of PPE is posing threat to the environment as PPE is adding to plastic pollution. That’s why many sustainability and plastic pollution specialists are concerned about how people are disposing of their used PPE.
A Few Strands of Evidences of Global PPE Waste Generation
The demand for Personal Protective Equipment is not going to decline even after the COVID-19 period. It is going to increase with an estimated compound annual growth of 20% in facial and surgical face masks supply from 2021 to 2025. Sustainable PPE management has become a major challenge.
Since PPE manufacturing companies and bulk PPE suppliers are manufacturing and distributing PPE amongst people, it has led to the generation of the waste stream, as well as health and environmental problems and waste management chain, specifically in underdeveloped countries. At the peak of the pandemic in Wuhan, China generated about 240 tons of medical waste daily. Therefore, the local waste management authorities deployed mobile incinerators in the city to dispose of the used non-reusable PPE gear including face masks, gloves, etc.
Similar unprecedented levels of PPE waste generation have been observed in other countries across the globe. In Hong Kong, over 7 million residents wear single-use face masks daily. According to many reports published, people are disposing of face masks in the ocean, on beaches, and on nature trails. Even in the cities of Turkey and Italy, sanitary wipes, face masks, and disposable gloves are found thrown on streets, parks, and beaches.
Environmental Impacts of Personal Protective Equipment Waste Production
Plastic-based Personal Protective Equipment is not recyclable or biodegradable. Therefore, it should be considered as plastic waste that should be disposed of in a securely tight garbage bag and thrown into the trash cans for further collection and treatment. Disposal of non-reusable PPE in household waste has led to an adverse impact on the environment. Poor plastic waste management has polluted both land and marine environments. Furthermore, there’s a high risk of trauma or ingestion of animals and contamination of natural habitats, posing a threat to the safety of ecosystems.
Moreover, the increased demand for PPE supplies is compelling PPE manufacturing companies to produce PPE on a large-scale, which is ultimately generating tons of plastic wastes. The life-saving protective gear is gradually turning into a life-threatening plastic pollutant.
How to Reduce the Excessive Disposal of Personal Protective Equipment
Here are some of the ways how citizens, bulk PPE suppliers, and manufacturing companies, and governments can help reduce the disposal of the used COVID-19 PPE.
- People should try NOT TO USE any form of non-reusable PPE such as face masks, gloves, etc. They should use reusable face masks or cloth as much as possible.
- Placing more trash bins in the residential areas, near bus stops, public places could also be helpful in controlling the litter problem.
- PPE manufacturing companies must take care of the lifecycle of their manufactured products. During the pre-COVID-19 situation, companies used to follow a linear supply chain model which is one of the major reasons that led to the generation of a COVID-19 PPE waste. So, instead of using the typical linear business model, they can adopt a more eco-friendly approach to solve this issue. Businesses can switch to a circular economy model in which they can design out waste and pollution, keep materials and products in use, and redevelop natural systems.
- People and businesses must learn how to correctly dispose of their COVID-19 PPE waste, whether it is PPE or household items. More instructions posters and signage should be put up in public places which should guide people on the proper and safe PPE disposal.
So, How Can You Contribute to Healthy Environment Amidst COVID-19?
You can start by saying NO to single-use PPE gear. You should use PPE that can be washed and reused to prevent landfills and plastic pollution. There are many PPE manufacturing companies that are producing cloth face masks. However, if you want to use homemade face masks, you can learn to make one through online face masks sewing tutorials and using fabric from your old garments. If you’re wearing non-reusable PPE, you must dispose of it properly and reduce its use whenever it is possible.
As a responsible citizen, you must always remember that PPE is intended to fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic and not to add to environmental problems.
