Find out from the (EPA) how to dispose of your COVID-19 waste at home.
Rapid antigen tests (RATs)
Rapid antigen tests include nasal swabs, and saliva and oral fluid tests that can be used at home.
Most at-home rapid antigen tests include a plastic bag that you can use for disposal. When you are ready to dispose of your test:
- place the test and any other contaminated material, such as swabs, fluids and bottles, into the bag provided, or another plastic bag
- seal the bag and place into a second bag such as bin liner, then seal that bag too
- dispose of the double-bagged rapid antigen test in your general household waste.
Used RATs may only be disposed of in general waste bins, they must not be placed in recycling bins.
You can recycle the cardboard packaging and instructions.
Single-use personal protective equipment (PPE)
Single-use PPE includes items such as face masks, gloves and aprons. Waste PPE from your household can be placed into your general household waste bin. When you are ready to dispose of your PPE:
- 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 household waste.
Waste PPE must not be recycled or placed in your green waste bin.
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