Residents told to dispose face masks, shields properly

BAGUIO CITY (Feb. 5, 2021) – Baguio residents were urged to follow proper ways of disposing used faced masks and shields for health and environmental protection against the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and other illnesses.

General Services Officer Eugene Buyucan said that these used personal protection equipment (PPEs) are considered toxic wastes and therefore should not be discarded anywhere or mixed with other household garbage especially the recyclable ones to avoid contamination.

He said the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) had recommended color coding for receptacles to be used for PPE discards particularly yellow colored containers or bags to alert those handling the wastes.

Buyucan however said they can allow other colors of receptacles but these have to be properly labeled  “PPEs” or “Used face masks” to inform garbage collectors at once.

He said people should take to heart reminders for proper disposal of these wastes because ignoring or neglecting these advisories might lead to compromising their own health or that of their own family members.

“It’s for our own good so please let us abide.  Throw your wastes property,” he said. – Aileen P. Refuerzo