Reminder: Properly dispose of PPE in Medfield

REMINDER: Please Properly Dispose of Used Masks and Gloves...

While taking a walk around the streets of Medfield, it is quite obvious that the issue of discarded personal protection equipment still exists.

Although most people have been wearing masks and gloves for the past 4 months, and the issue of properly disposing of the paper masks and plastic gloves remains a problem.

This kind of litter on the roads and sidewalks is concerning for multiple reasons. Obviously, the reason there are so many gloves/masks being worn is due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, which means residents who may normally pick up litter when they find it, probably choose not to touch it right now!

In April, Adrienne Esposito, Exec Dir. of Citizens Campaign for the Environment stated, "PPE is intended to help us fight a public health challenge, not create a plastic pollution problem.. Long after Covid-19 is gone, we still need to protect the earth."

Another problem with improper disposal is the harm it can cause to animals. Oftentimes they mistake the plastic gloves or elastic on masks for food and it can be fatal to birds, rodents and wildlife.

Littering is a big problem, but some people are also putting PPE into their Recycle bins and that is NOT where these materials should go. This kind of plastic and personal protection equipment is meant to be put in the TRASH.

Please keep the environment in mind and properly dispose of these items. One suggestion to REDUCE this kind of trash and eliminate the litter issue, is to wear washable, reusable masks or face coverings. Reusable masks are safe, but should be washed after each use.

The world thanks you!