Where should used masks be disposed of in a healthcare setting?

Disposal of Used Masks in Healthcare Settings

Used masks and all contaminated personal protective equipment (PPE) must be disposed of in dedicated, well-identifiable containers designated for infectious risk health waste (IRHW), positioned as close as possible to the point of use. 1

Specific Disposal Protocol

Location of Disposal Containers

• Set up a dedicated container for hazardous medical waste immediately outside the operating room or procedure area to allow immediate disposal of all contaminated disposable material and PPE. 1
• Containers should be placed as close as possible to the door of the room where contaminated equipment was used, minimizing the distance contaminated items must be carried. 1
• In isolation rooms, dispose of the first layer of contaminated materials (such as outer gloves and plastic coverings) in the infectious waste bin inside the isolation room itself, not in the anteroom. 1

Container Requirements

• All infectious waste containers must be well-identifiable and specifically designated for infectious risk health waste (IRHW). 1
• Containers should be closed and sealed before being transferred to the collection point. 1
• Any visibly damaged or contaminated container must be promptly replaced. 1
• PPE should be worn when closing and transporting containers and removed immediately after. 1

Proper Removal Sequence Before Disposal

The sequence of PPE removal is critical to prevent self-contamination during the doffing process:

1. Remove the apron and/or surgical gown first, rolling them into a ball before discarding, then remove the fluid-resistant long-sleeved gown. 1
2. Remove and discard gloves (the first pair if double-gloved). 1
3. Apply alcohol-based hand rub. 1
4. Remove the head cap. 1
5. Remove the face shield or safety goggles. 1
6. Apply another alcohol-based hand rub. 1
7. Remove the mask last, handling it only by the ear loops or ties without touching the external contaminated surface. 1

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

• Never dispose of contaminated PPE in regular waste bins—this creates a significant infection transmission risk to housekeeping staff and the environment. 1
• Do not carry contaminated masks or PPE through clean zones before disposal; dispose of items in the contaminated area where they were used. 1
• Never touch the external surface of used masks during removal, as this is the most heavily contaminated area. 1
• Do not store used masks in plastic bags unless the plastic is certified non-electrostatic, as this can inactivate filter properties if reuse is being considered (though disposal is preferred). 2
• Avoid leaving sealed containers of infectious waste outside the procedure area for extended periods; they should be immediately sent for proper disposal processing. 1

Environmental Considerations

• Used disposable masks are significant sources of microplastics to the environment, with used masks releasing 1246.62 ± 403.50 microplastic particles per mask into water compared to 183.00 ± 78.42 particles for new masks. 3
• Proper disposal in designated infectious waste containers prevents environmental contamination and ensures appropriate incineration or treatment of these materials. 1