Residents have been urged to dispose of all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in their black wheeled bin.

Epping Forest District Council issued the advice to individuals who have been using face masks and gloves in the current coronavirus pandemic, urging people not to put PPE into their recycling.

All used PPE (such as face masks and gloves) should go into black wheeled bins – recycling sacks with PPE in will not be collected.

Face masks are made of composite materials and plastic gloves cannot be recycled.

Cllr Nigel Avey, cabinet member for environmental and technical services said: "It is important for residents to take care in placing any PPE they are disposing of it the right waste container.

"Not only could it be a hazard for our refuse collectors if the items are placed in the wrong bin or bag, but could also mean the waste is not collected."

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