PPE recycling scheme launched in Brighton

Friday, 20 August 2021 08:00

A scheme to collect and recycle facemasks, gloves and other PPE has been launched in Brighton & Hove - including at the Sea Life Centre

Brighton and Hove City Council has joined forces with recycling company Reworked to provide PPE recycling bins and hand sanitiser stations in busy areas of the city centre, including the popular SEA LIFE Centre, Komedia and i360. It makes them the first city in the country to install the bins.

Residents and visitors can use the bins to dispose of used and unwanted PPE including facemasks, visors, gloves, protective clothing and even lateral flow tests.

The bins have been funded from the government and European Union’s ‘Welcome Back’ fund, which aims to ensure city centres and seaside resorts are ready to welcome back visitors safely as lockdown restrictions ease.

Once the bins are full, Reworked will collect and recycle the PPE to create hardwearing plastic boards.

Councillor Jamie Lloyd, deputy chair of the Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee, said: “Facemasks have played a vital role in helping to keep us safe during the past year, but sadly they have also added to the litter on our streets, particularly in busy areas of the city.

“It’s a particular concern on our seafront and beaches where the masks can make their way into the sea, causing further harm to our precious marine wildlife.

“But we are delighted to be working with Reworked to collect used and unwanted masks and other PPE, removing them from the waste stream for recycling.

“I hope residents will make good use of these bins, as they continue to wear their masks when in busy areas and help to keep the city safe.”

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