To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to improve the recyclability of (a) covid-19 testing equipment and (b) used personal protective equipment.
Answered on
25 January 2022
NHS Test and Trace is exploring alternatives to current test devices which are safe, effective and made of predominantly recyclable or biodegradable materials.
We are reviewing the potential of reusable Type IIR masks in acute settings, using existing laundry services to reduce the need for single use products. These reusable Type IIR masks will be recycled into curtains, mattress covers or other products to contribute to the sustainable disposal of personal protective equipment and zero to landfill recycling programme. We plan to pilot reusable eye protection where the product can be recycled at the end of its life. We have recycled 22 million visors to make plastic containers, which can be used to store food items and will also be recyclable.