Laura Sharman 28 September 2020

Councils warn about rise in PPE litter

Nearly half of district councils have warned the littering of face masks and plastic gloves is becoming a growing problem in their area.

The District Councils’ Network (DCN) said the littering of personal protective equipment could spread infection, as well as being dangerous to pets and wildlife.

The survey by the DCN also revealed that nearly nine in 10 councils have seen an increase in recyclable waste since the start of lockdown in March.

A rise in garden waste, more refuse in parks and open spaces, and an increase in fly-tipping was also reported through the survey.

Cllr Dan Humphreys, DCN’s lead member for enhancing quality of life, said: ‘PPE waste is becoming a problem for many councils with more communities sadly seeing it become a normal part of litter left on the streets and in other public spaces.

’Not only does this blight local areas, but it also risks spreading infection. Face masks, gloves and other forms of PPE are designed to protect people from infection, but poor disposal risks doing the opposite.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Social Worker - Wolfson Unit

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,206 - £55,992
Senior Social Worker
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Assistant Highways Network Technician - WMF2343e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£26,403 - £26,824
This role will be part of the Network Team in the South Lakeland area based in Kendal. Kendal, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Social Worker - Young People with Disabilities

Essex County Council
£37185.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Young People with DisabilitiesPermanent, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Family Support & Protection, West Essex

Essex County Council
£31931.0000 - £36423.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Support & Protection, West EssexPermanent, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, North Essex

Essex County Council
£31931.0000 - £36423.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention, North EssexFixed Term, Full Time£34,904 to £50,081 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner