How to dispose of coronavirus waste from a non-healthcare workplace

Rapid antigen tests (RATs)

Whether the test result is positive or negative:

• place the testing kit and its contents into the disposable bag provided and seal it
• place that bag into a second disposable bag and seal it
• place the double-bagged rapid antigen test into your general waste bin.

Used rapid antigen tests may only be disposed of in general waste bins, they must not be placed in recycling bins.

Recycle the cardboard packaging and instructions.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Single use PPE includes items such as face masks, gloves and aprons. Waste PPE from a non-healthcare workplace can be placed into your general waste bin. EPA recommends you:

• place the waste PPE into a plastic bag such as a bin liner and seal the bag
• place that bag into a second bag and seal that bag too
• dispose of the double bagged PPE in your general waste bin.

PPE waste must not be recycled or placed in the green waste bin.

How to dispose of coronavirus waste from non-clinical care facilities

Non-clinical care facilities includes home or community care services that don't involve medical or nursing practices. 

Rapid antigen tests (RATs)

Whether the test result is positive or negative:

• place the testing kit and its contents into the disposable bag provided and seal it
• place that bag into a second disposable bag and seal it
• place the double-bagged rapid antigen test into your general waste bin.

Used rapid antigen tests may only be disposed of in general waste bins, they must not be placed in recycling bins.

Recycle the cardboard packaging and instructions.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Waste PPE from non-clinical care facilities can be disposed of in the general waste bin. EPA recommends you:

• place the waste PPE into a plastic bag such as a bin liner and seal the bag

• place that bag into a second bag and seal that bag too
• dispose of the double bagged PPE in your general waste bin.

PPE waste must not be recycled or placed in the green waste bin.

How to dispose of coronavirus waste from clinical facilities

Used rapid antigen tests and personal protective equipment in clinical facilities must be handled in accordance with site specific infection prevention and control procedures and occupational health and safety requirements. The following guidance is intended to clarify available waste disposal options and does not alter any other duties or obligations relating to the safe handling of such items. 

Rapid antigen tests (RATs)

You must dispose of all used rapid antigen tests in clinical waste bins, whether the result is positive or negative. More information is available in Clinical and related waste - operational guidance (IWRG612.1) and Department of Health guidance.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

The known modes of transmission of coronavirus indicate that PPE not soiled with blood or bodily fluids (including a patient’s respiratory secretions) used in the care of a patient with or suspected of having COVID-19 or to prevent infection in the workplace does not need to be considered clinical waste under the Clinical and related waste - operational guidance (IWRG612.1, section 10).

• Where waste PPE is soiled with blood or bodily fluids (including a patient’s respiratory secretions), or would otherwise be considered clinical waste under Clinical and related waste - operational guidance (IWRG612.1), it must be disposed of as clinical waste. 
• Where waste PPE is not soiled with blood or bodily fluids (including a patient’s respiratory secretions) and would not otherwise be considered clinical waste under Clinical and related waste - operational guidance (IWRG612.1), it can optionally be disposed of as general waste with appropriate containment.

This waste must not be recycled or placed in green waste bins.

Do not use yellow clinical waste bags to dispose of PPE in general waste.  To assist waste collection services, general waste should be clearly separated from clinical waste disposal.

For more information visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.