Industry estimates and recent studies confirm that the surge in single-use personal protective equipment (PPE)—such as masks, gloves, and gowns—has resulted in massive waste, with millions of pounds of plastic, predominantly polypropylene, being discarded annually in the United States.
Key Data on PPE Waste in the U.S.
Massive Accumulation: In the U.S. alone, pandemic-related PPE waste has contributed to over 57 million pounds of plastic polluting oceans, largely from masks and gloves.
Daily Generation: Recent studies estimate that the USA generates approximately 36,660 tons of medical waste per day.
Specific Item Discards: Recent reports indicate that the U.S. has discarded more than 18 million disposable masks, 22 million gowns, and 500,000 gloves.
Manufacturing/Industrial Impact: The manufacturing, construction, and oil & gas sectors account for a significant portion of the PPE market, requiring roughly 1.8 billion PPE units annually to meet safety regulations.
Environmental and Industrial Impact
Material Persistence: Most disposable PPE is made of non-biodegradable, petroleum-based plastics (polypropylene, polyethylene, and nitrile) that can take up to 400 years to decompose.
Landfill Capacity: With the high volume of waste, experts predict that U.S. landfills are on track to run out of capacity by 2036.
Waste Management Strain: The sheer volume of PPE waste has overwhelmed existing waste management systems, leading to improper disposal, illegal dumping, and overfilled landfills.
Industry Mitigation Efforts
To combat this, industries are exploring:
Sustainable Alternatives: Shifting to biodegradable or reusable PPE.
Recycling Programs: Specialized programs to convert used PPE into materials like plastic pellets for new products.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Policies that make manufacturers responsible for the collection and recycling of their products

The complete guide to recycling workwear and PPE

While some sustainability terms and concepts may be relatively new to many, the word ‘recycling’ shouldn’t be one of them. Compared to the other two pillars of the so-called ‘3 Rs’ – reduce and reuse – it is by far the most well-known and practised worldwide.

But, in 2024, why is it still so difficult to recycle workwear and PPE?

Workwear and PPE recycling
The UK workwear industry makes around £300 million a year – so sales of new uniforms, corporate wear, industrial clothing and PPE are strong. But, until fairly recently, there hasn’t been much attention paid to what happens to used items of workwear and PPE at end of life.

The idea of recycling workwear and PPE is a relatively new concept, but one that is gathering pace, fuelled by demand from increasingly environmentally-conscious customers.

In this guide, we aim to answer the most frequently-asked questions about workwear and PPE recycling.



Can PPE be recycled?
Yes – all PPE can be recycled, in the sense that it can either be:

Shredded down to the fibre for re-use in the manufacturing process
Given a new life elsewhere, such as by a charity or in impoverished communities
Used to manufacture clean energy
This includes safety footwear, reusable and disposable gloves, safety helmets and more.

Not all items of PPE can be remade into new versions of themselves according to the true definition of ‘recycling’, but all workwear and PPE can be repurposed in some way and need not end up in landfill.


What PPE can be recycled?
Recycling in its truest form is where something is returned to its base form through melting in the case of plastics and metals, or shredding for the likes of paper and fabrics.

Existing technologies currently only allow for workwear and PPE garments made from a single base fabric – i.e. from 100% cotton or 100% polyester – to be recycled in this way, with the fibres of the shredded garments re-used in manufacturing new products.

At present, polyester is the most-recycled fabric.


What workwear and PPE can’t be recycled?

Most items of workwear and PPE can’t be recycled in the true sense of the word, returned to their raw materials and re-used in the manufacturing process.

This includes:

Garments that are made from more than one fabric
Multi-layer items, like hi vis jackets that combine a polyester outer with a nylon liner
Used PPE like safety gloves, safety footwear, helmets and goggles, which may be contaminated or where recycling materials may reduce quality and therefore affect compliance
Branded workwear, which must be shredded for security purposes
Unfortunately, the technology does not yet exist to recycle these complex items, and so businesses must explore alternative avenues to prevent them from ending up in landfill.


What other options are available to prevent non-recyclable workwear and PPE ending up in landfill?
Workwear and PPE that cannot be recycled can be donated to charity or repurposed into waste-processed fibre or refuse-derived fuel.

Options include:

Local charity banks will wash and mend donated, non-branded workwear and give it to unemployed job seekers to help them get back into work
In some circumstances, PPE can also be cleaned and re-certified for use
Non-branded items can be turned into rags
Garments made from 100% polyester materials (including threads, buttons and zip fasteners) may be melted down and turned back into polyester pellets for use in manufacturing
Items may be securely shredded and used as insulation or filling in the likes of punchbags or bedding
Shredded fibres can also be incinerated at power stations and used to generate electricity.
Can I put used workwear and PPE in my recycling bin?
No – the best way to recycle workwear and PPE is to do so through the supplier, or through an established third-party specialist offering appropriate end-of-life solutions.


What should I look for in a workwear and PPE recycling service?
Look for a service provider that provides appropriate, lockable on-site storage bins and secure, GPS-tracked collections. Your consignments should be weighed and then separated out into items to be securely shredded and used to generate clean energy, and those destined for garment breakdown and a second life. The best providers will guarantee 0% of your workwear and PPE waste will go to landfill, and commit to recycling or reusing as much as possible, rather than sending items straight for incineration. You should be provided with a full audit trail and environmental impact statement to enable you to monitor your contribution.


How much does workwear and PPE recycling cost?
Expect to pay around £150 for a 240-litre wheelie bin, up to £500-550 for 1,100 litres.


What else can I do to make my workwear and PPE provision more sustainable?

How Do You Recycle PPE Gloves?
The need for personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and aprons, has risen over the last two years. However, for many business owners, PPE has always been a common part of life. You need things to protect yourself and your workers on the job, which means you are likely to go through thousands of pairs of PPE gloves every single day. This raises a significant problem; where do all the used items go? Most will end up in landfills, meaning your business generates a large carbon footprint. But, with specialist PPE recycling, this no longer needs to be an issue, as it can contribute to sustainability by integrating waste-to-energy solutions.

You may be wondering, how should your business recycle PPE gloves and other PPE items? It may seem like an additional costly and time-consuming task, but the reality is that the process of recycling PPE is much easier than you may think.

Can PPE Gloves Be Recycled?
Reusing/Recycling PPE is possible with proper disinfection. Contrary to long-held beliefs, a University of Waterloo study (2021) showed sterile gloves can be safely reused up to 20 times using alcohol, UV light, or heat treatments.

What to Consider Before Recycling PPE Gloves
1. Type of Glove Material
Before recycling PPE gloves, the first critical factor to consider is the material type. Not all gloves are created equal in terms of recyclability. The most commonly used materials—nitrile, latex, vinyl, and sometimes hybrid blends—each behave differently in recycling systems.

Nitrile gloves are generally the most recyclable. They are made from synthetic rubber and are widely accepted by specialized recycling programs like our glove recycling services. If your gloves are nitrile and uncontaminated, they are excellent candidates for recycling.
Latex gloves, while made from natural rubber and biodegradable over time, are less commonly accepted for recycling. The term ‘latex gloves recyclable’ applies only under specific conditions, such as the gloves being clean and free of contaminants, and knowing local recycling regulations, as not all facilities accept latex gloves.
Vinyl gloves (made from PVC) are the least eco-friendly option. They are rarely accepted by recycling facilities because they contain plasticizers and other chemicals that are toxic and can contaminate other recyclable plastics.
Hybrid gloves, which combine multiple materials (like nitrile-vinyl blends), are even harder to recycle due to their mixed composition. The term ‘hybrid gloves recyclable’ highlights the challenges posed by their mixed materials, requiring specialized, and often limited, recycling channels.
To maximize recyclability, it is crucial to first identify and separate gloves based on material type, as mixing different types—especially vinyl—can ruin entire recycling batches.

2. Contamination Level
The second major factor to assess before recycling gloves is their level of contamination. This determines whether a glove is suitable for recycling or must be handled as hazardous waste.

Gloves that have been used in medical, laboratory, or cleaning settings may come into contact with biohazards (like blood or bodily fluids) or chemical agents. These gloves are classified as hazardous waste and should never be placed in recycling bins. Doing so can contaminate the entire recycling stream, making it unusable and unsafe to process.
Only gloves that are uncontaminated and used in low-risk environments—like food service, light industrial work, or general cleaning—should be considered for recycling. Even then, it’s essential to ensure that the gloves are dry and free of residues before placing them in a recycling box.
To manage this effectively, staff must be trained to recognize hazardous vs. non-hazardous waste, and there should be clear, separate bins for each type. This small step has a big impact in keeping the recycling process efficient and safe.

Steps to Recycle PPE Gloves
Step 1: Partner with a recycling company
Most PPE can’t be thrown in regular recycling bins.To ensure the process is performed correctly, partner with a recycling company that can handle things for you—like Bates Enterprises. You’ll be provided with your own recycling bin or instructions on where to send your PPE for it to be recycled.

Step 2: Collect your PPE
Next, all you need to do is collect your used gloves, PPE clothes, and other equipment after they have been used. Instead of throwing them away, get them all together ready for recycling. We will collect everything periodically, so you can focus on other aspects of your business. The remainder of the process is handled behind the scenes as your gloves are taken to a special factory where they can be stripped down and recycled.

What Are the Benefits of PPE Recycling?
The benefits of PPE recycling are extremely clear for your industrial business:

Lower your carbon footprint
Reduce waste
Eliminate your disposal-related liability
Maintain involvement in a PERC-free program
Improve your standing with the EPA and other environmental enforcement organizations
Boost your reputation as an environmentally-friendly business, which may help you secure more clients
Contribute to meeting sustainability goals by participating in recycling programs and reducing your overall environmental footprint

Is it Possible to Extend the Life of PPE Gloves?
Absolutely! Many businesses and warehouse managers are unaware of this, but PPE laundering can be extremely useful. Effectively, this process cleans your equipment and allows you to reuse it safely again and again. We actually offer a PPE laundering service to help you get the most out of your equipment.

When you finally can’t reuse something any further, it can be recycled! By partnering with a PPE laundering and cycling business, you can save an enormous amount of time and money, ensuring the complete management of gloves from use to disposal!

Save Time and Money with PPE Recycling & Laundering
Appeal to clients’ interests by becoming an environmentally-friendly business with PPE recycling services for customers. Few people in the industry understand the rigors of cleaning hard-worn PPE properly, let alone how to recycle PPE properly. Bates has the knowledge, experience, and network to make sure your PPE ends up where it needs to so that it can be used again. From sales to laundering to recycling, Bates Enterprises leads the industry in all aspects of PPE.

PPE Recycling & Laundering at Bates Enterprises
If you want to enjoy the benefits of recycling PPE gloves, get in touch with Bates Enterprises today. We offer recycling and laundering services that will help you save money, lower your carbon footprint, and be a better business

Gloves recycling, particularly for nitrile and latex, involves specialized industrial programs that collect, clean, shred, and process materials into raw, reusable materials. Used gloves are typically gathered in specialized, prepaid bins (e.g., TerraCycle, Polycarbin), then cleaned to remove contaminants. The materials are then shredded into small particles, granulated, and transformed into products like rubberized tools, mats, or floor tiles.
Key Aspects of the Recycling Process
Collection: Specialized programs (e.g., CheckSammy, Closed Loop Recycling) collect gloves from labs, hospitals, and manufacturing sites, as they cannot be processed through standard, municipal recycling.
Cleaning: The collected gloves undergo decontamination to remove any residue or hazardous materials.
Shredding/Grinding: The clean gloves are fed into industrial grinders to reduce them into small pieces or a fine powder.
Material Processing: The shredded material is processed into polymers or rubberized materials suitable for manufacturing.
Repurposing: The recycled material is used to create new, non-disposable products such as outdoor furniture, construction materials, and rubber mats.
Challenges and Considerations
Contamination: Gloves must not be contaminated with hazardous substances, and materials like PLA or fabric often cannot be processed.
Cost: Specialized recycling programs generally require subscription fees or purchase of collection boxes, making them most viable for high-volume users.
Alternatives: For non-hazardous, used, but non-recyclable gloves, incineration with energy recovery is often used as a better alternative to landfills.

Recycling and laundering industrial work gloves is an essential, yet often overlooked, strategy for reducing operational costs and environmental impact. By shifting from a "use-and-toss" model to a "wash-and-reuse" approach, companies can save roughly 80% per pair on glove expenses while significantly reducing waste.
Here is why you should consider recycling and washing work gloves and other personal protective equipment (PPE).
1. Significant Cost Savings
Reduced Purchase Volume: Professional cleaning and repair can extend the life of gloves, reducing the frequency of buying new, expensive industrial gloves.
Lower Disposal Costs: By reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills, businesses save on waste management and disposal fees.
Case Study Results: Some companies have saved up to $165,000 annually by implementing, industrial laundering and recycling programs.
2. Environmental Impact Reduction
Landfill Diversion: Thousands of pairs of used gloves end up in landfills daily, taking years to decompose. Specialized recycling programs can convert these, along with other PPE like masks and aprons, into new materials, such as plastic pellets for manufacturing.
Lower Carbon Footprint: Manufacturing new PPE is resource-intensive. Reusing PPE reduces the demand for raw materials, water, and energy, thereby reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Zero-Landfill Initiative: Partnering with specialized PPE recyclers helps organizations achieve their sustainability (ESG) goals and ISO 14001 certification.
3. Safety and Performance
Rigorous Cleaning Processes: Industrial, laundered gloves are cleaned, inspected, and sometimes repaired to meet or exceed safety standards.
Bacteria Elimination: Professional laundering removes sweat, grime, and bacteria, making the gloves more hygienic and comfortable for workers than simply continuing to wear them.
Inspection for Integrity: Professional services often include, in addition to cleaning, hand-inspection for holes, tears, or damage, ensuring only safe, functional gloves are returned.
4. Which Gloves Can Be Recycled or Reused?
Reusable Work Gloves: Impact gloves, leather gloves, and high-performance, cut-resistant gloves (Kevlar®, Dyneema®) can be laundered multiple times without losing their protective qualities.
Disposable Gloves: While meant for single use, some programs (like Kimberly-Clark's RightCycle or similar) specialize in recycling clean, non-hazardous nitrile or vinyl gloves, transforming them into new consumer products.
Note on Contamination: Gloves heavily contaminated with toxic chemicals or biohazards must be handled separately as hazardous waste.
5. Implementing a Program
Instead of managing this in-house,, which can be time-consuming and often improper, companies can use specialized vendor "Box Programs". These services typically:
Provide collection containers at your facility.
Pick up used gloves and transport them to a facility.
Sort, clean, repair, and return them, or recycle them if they are beyond repair.
Provide sustainability reports that outline the amount of waste diverted.
By adopting these practices, companies not only protect their workers but also enhance their reputation as environmentally responsible businesses.

Can workwear and PPE be recycled?

Can workwear and PPE be recycled?

This is a question we are being asked more and more by clients in the context of climate crisis and the drive for net zero.

With more options than ever before to choose recycled and recyclable products in our everyday and work lives, as well as to opt to pursue new, less wasteful models of consumption, it is inevitable that questions should be asked about, if workwear and PPE can’t be recycled, why can’t it?

So – can workwear and PPE be recycled?

Yes, it can – in the main.


Why recycle workwear and PPE?
Recycling old workwear and PPE that has reached the end of its useful life has two main benefits. These are:

Reduced environmental impact
Brand protection

Reduced environmental impact
Textiles production in the UK generates an estimated 26.2 million tonnes of CO2 each year, and some 350,000 tonnes of what is produced ends up in landfill.

Textiles recycling not only reduces landfill waste, but helps to save water and reduce carbon emissions. Recycled garment fibres can also be used as insulation for buildings, generating further environmental benefits.


Brand protection
In the same way that branded workwear can enhance your business’s image and reputation, old workwear falling into the wrong hands, being dumped or resold, can quickly have the opposite effect.

At best, this could damage your reputation. At worst, it could compromise your business’s security, or even endanger the public.

Uniforms and branded workwear identify the wearer as a genuine representative of a particular company, which may afford them access to private or business premises they may not otherwise have had access to, including potentially secure or controlled areas.

While generic textile recycling often involves reselling or exporting to developing countries, branded clothing, used PPE and uniforms must instead be responsibly destroyed through a specialist recycling process that reduces garments and their branding to base fibres.


Workwear and PPE recycling: How does it work?
Here at iSB Group, we partner with a specialist responsible clothing recycling company committed to sending zero textile waste to landfill.

Together, we facilitate secure collection of clients’ end-of-life workwear and PPE, including old uniform, hi-vis vests and safety gloves. Garments are then shredded into fibres which are used as padding for upholstery or acoustic insulation for sound reduction in offices and inside vehicles.

Our service is fully audited and complies with BSEN:15713 for confidential material destruction. Collection and processing is only carried out by CRB/DBS-checked and trained staff, and clients receive certification as proof of destruction.


Is there any workwear and PPE that can’t be recycled?
Workwear and PPE that is highly contaminated or that has an electrical component may not be suitable for recycling.

It is also very difficult to recycle safety footwear due to the number of different materials involved in its design. Each material has to be separated and recycled using a different process, which is difficult, costly, and both time and energy-intensive to achieve.

There are reuse schemes that allow usable safety footwear to be donated to developing countries, or it may be burnt alongside other waste to generate energy, but we are not yet able to offer a cost-effective, environmentally-friendly recycling scheme.

Why You Should Recycle Your PPE
As we learn more about how our waste and disposal processes impact the environment, our society has responded. Over one-third of customers in the United States are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products and company efforts. The population is starting to take action against climate change and how we play a part in the destruction of our environment—and you should too. Improper disposal of PPE can release pollutants into the air, contributing to environmental degradation.

Eliminate your disposal-related liability and boost your environmentally-conscious image with personal protective equipment (PPE) recycling. At Bates Enterprises, we partner with industry leaders to recycle and launder PPE to save you money, streamline company operations, and protect the environment. Recycling efforts should include materials like cardboard to manage environmental waste effectively.

Introduction to PPE Recycling
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) recycling is an essential practice that helps reduce waste, conserve valuable resources, and protect human health. PPE is used in various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and construction, to prevent injuries and illnesses. However, the improper disposal of PPE can lead to environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and harm to human health. Recycling PPE is a sustainable approach that can help mitigate these issues. By recycling PPE, we can ensure that these materials are reused and repurposed, reducing the strain on our environment and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Environmental Impact of PPE Use
The production and disposal of PPE have a significant environmental impact. The manufacturing process requires large amounts of raw materials, energy, and water, leading to greenhouse gas emissions and water contamination. Moreover, the improper disposal of PPE can lead to landfill waste, soil pollution, and harm to wildlife. Recycling PPE can help reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimize the environmental impact of PPE production. By choosing to recycle PPE, we can help protect our planet from the adverse effects of waste and pollution, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations.

How is PPE Recycled?
Recycling can give PPE items such as gloves, coats, and vests new life—they no longer need to be thrown away. Chemical processes, such as chemical depolymerization, play a crucial role in recycling PPE by breaking down plastics into their original feedstock state. The efficiency of processing PPE items into new products ensures that materials are effectively handled and transformed to minimize waste. Using recyclable materials in PPE production is essential to conserve resources and reduce environmental impact. Integrating recycled materials into operations can lead to significant cost savings and create new revenue streams. Additionally, reusing PPE is important to minimize waste and promote a circular economy. As leaders in the industry, we know how to launder various items to extend their lifespan with our unique wash formulas and customized wash cycles.

If your PPE is deemed no longer repairable, we ensure the items find a new home that meets environmental standards. With Bates Enterprises, you don’t have to worry about following federal guidelines or finding the right place to dispose of your PPE. We handle all the details for you, so you can spend more time growing your company.

Recycling of PPE Kits
PPE kits typically include gloves, gowns, masks, goggles, and face protection. These components are made from various raw materials, including plastics, textiles, and latex. The production of PPE kits requires significant amounts of energy, water, and raw materials, leading to environmental pollution and waste generation. Recycling PPE kits can help conserve resources, reduce waste, and minimize the environmental impact of PPE production. By recycling these materials, we can ensure that they are reused in new products, reducing the need for virgin materials and decreasing the overall environmental footprint of PPE production.

PPE kits can be converted into value-added products through various recycling processes. For example, plastics can be recycled into new products, such as packaging materials, containers, and other plastic items. Textiles can be recycled into new fabrics, clothing, and other textile products. Latex can be recycled into new products, such as gloves, balloons, and other latex items. Recycling PPE kits can help conserve resources, reduce waste, and create new products that can benefit society. By transforming used PPE into valuable new materials, we can support a circular economy and contribute to a more sustainable and resource-efficient world.

Importance of PPE Recycling
Eliminate Your Disposal-Related Liability
If you’re trying to reduce your plant’s environmental footprint, throwing out personal protective equipment is counterproductive. Worn-out PPE can fill landfills with tons of non-biodegradable material, creating mounds of old, damaged, and unrepairable PPE.

Compliance with environmental regulations in PPE recycling initiatives is crucial for minimizing waste and conserving resources. Additionally, recycling PPE can lead to significant cost savings by reducing operational and disposal costs. Incineration of PPE waste, while a method for energy recovery, can release harmful pollutants into the air if not managed properly. Addressing PPE waste from an environmental perspective is essential to mitigate its impact on pollution and ecological health. The increased production of plastic trash due to the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the urgent need for effective management and recycling methods for contaminated single-use PPE.

These destructive wastelands can illuminate a lack of commitment to environmentally-conscious practices, casting your business, your industry, and your commitment to your community in a less-than-flattering light. By recycling your personal protective equipment, your business can continue to earn respect as an industry leader.

Boost Your Environmentally-Conscious Image
Your company can maintain involvement in a Perchloroethylene-free program with industrial laundering services. Perchloroethylene (PERC) is the most frequently used solvent for dry cleaning and is harmful to humans and the environment. While PERC usage laws differ from state to state, many companies have terminated their use completely.

At Bates Enterprises, we take our duty to the environment seriously and never use PERC or any other harmful chemicals. When you choose our industrial recycling services, you can guarantee you are partnering with a PERC-free program.

Additionally, with industrial laundering services you can improve your company’s standing with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other local/regional environmental enforcement organizations. This agency seeks to protect human health and the environment and develops and enforces regulations, sponsors partnerships, studies environmental issues, and more. With PPE recycling, you can lead your industry in environmentally-safe practices and advance your standing with EPA while doing so.

Compliance with environmental regulations in PPE recycling initiatives is crucial for minimizing waste and conserving resources. The importance of sustainable practices in PPE recycling cannot be overstated, as they reduce environmental impact and ensure regulatory compliance. Recycling PPE leads to significant cost savings for organizations and fosters additional revenue streams. Moreover, PPE plays a vital role in protecting individuals from harmful elements and safeguarding the environment. Utilizing sustainable materials in PPE production enhances environmental performance and promotes a circular economy.

Recycling work gloves and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a vital, yet often overlooked, component of industrial sustainability. With billions of items—from nitrile gloves to high-vis vests—sent to landfills annually, specialized recycling programs now offer a way to divert this waste, reduce carbon footprints, and convert used gear into new, functional products.
Here is everything you need to know about why and how to recycle work gloves and PPE.
Why Recycle Work Gloves & PPE?
Reduced Environmental Impact: Millions of tons of textiles and plastics from PPE end up in landfills, releasing harmful methane as they break down.
Conservation of Resources: Recycling reduces the demand for virgin materials and the energy-intensive manufacturing processes required to produce new items.
Financial Savings: Implementing a recycling or, better yet, a, launder-and-reuse program can save up to 70% on overall PPE spend.
Brand Protection & Compliance: Secure, audited, and confidential destruction of branded workwear and PPE ensures it does not fall into the wrong hands or violate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.
Waste-to-Energy: Non-recyclable items can be shredded and processed into Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF), creating an alternative energy source.
What Workwear & PPE Can Be Recycled?
Specialized programs can handle a wide range of, often, "un-recyclable" items:
Gloves: Nitrile, latex, vinyl, and thermal, cold-prevention gloves.
Workwear: Uniforms, hi-vis vests, jackets, and overalls.
Safety Gear: Helmets, boots, and goggles.
Limitations: Highly contaminated items (e.g., heavily contaminated with chemicals or biohazards) or those with complex electrical components may not be accepted.
The Recycling & Repurposing Process
Collection: Dedicated, secure recycling boxes are placed in the workplace.
Sorting & Inspection: Contaminated items are separated from clean ones.
Repurposing:
Textiles: Shredded into fibres for automotive sound insulation, upholstery stuffing, or acoustic panels.
Plastics/Rubber: Cleaned and ground into granules to create new products like plastic furniture, traffic cones, and road paving materials.
How to Start a Workwear/PPE Recycling Program
Partner with a Specialized Recycler: Utilize specialized services such as TerraCycle, Kimberly-Clark’s RightCycle, SMI, or similar, as standard curbside recycling cannot handle this waste.
Set Up Collection Points: Install clearly labeled, dedicated bins throughout the facility.
Train Employees: Educate staff on which items can be recycled and the importance of preventing contamination.
Logistics: Arrange for, often, prepaid, scheduled shipping to return full containers to the processor.
Key Takeaways
Nitrile is Most Common: Nitrile gloves are widely accepted, while vinyl is harder to recycle due to its composition.
Laundering Extends Life: Before recycling, consider a professional PPE laundering service to clean and safely reuse items, extending their life by up to 20 times.
Sustainability Goal: Recycling converts waste into a "circular economy" model, where materials are given a second life rather than being buried in a landfill.