Disposing of PPE: How to Recycle PPE

PPE keeps your teams safe, but what happens when it’s worn out, damaged, or contaminated?

Many workplaces still throw it in the general waste, even though large parts can be recycled, recovered, or repurposed instead.

Responsible PPE disposal does more than reduce waste. It can also help lower your Scope 3 emissions linked to uniform and PPE disposal.

Supported by our recycling partner Avena, SMI’s Divert from Earth scheme helps businesses manage PPE and workwear waste more sustainably.

Why PPE recycling matters

Used gloves, jackets, boots, and helmets can accumulate quickly in most industries.

Recycling or recovering PPE:

• Reduces landfill waste
• Helps lower Scope 3 emissions
• Supports wider sustainability targets
• Demonstrates environmental responsibilities

Small steps can make a big difference to your workplace and the planet.

Types of PPE that can be recycled

Many PPE materials can enter recycling or recovery streams if they are clean and uncontaminated.

Specialist recycling partners can help process fibres, plastics, and metals through managed recycling and recovery routes.

PPE	MATERIAL/TYPE	RECYCLING NOTES
TEXTILES & WORKWEAR	Hi-vis jackets, trousers, fleeces, waterproofs, thermal layers	Materials are processed through approved recycling and recovery routes where possible
HELMETS	Plastics & metal fixings	Components may be separated to support material recovery, where applicable
GLOVES	Fibres, plastics	Processed through approved recovery routes depending on condition and material type
SAFETY FOOTWEAR	Rubber, plastics, metals	Materials are processed through recovery channels to help reduce landfill waste

IMPORTANT:

PPE exposed to hazardous substances, chemicals, oils, or biological material must follow safe disposal guidance rather than standard recycling routes.

If you manage complex or contaminated PPE waste streams, SMI can support bespoke recovery and controlled disposal projects where required.

How to dispose of PPE safely

For contaminated items:

1. Store separately from recyclable PPE
2. Place in a tied bag
3. Follow your site’s general waste or specialist disposal route
4. Wash your hands after handling

Clean, uncontaminated PPE can be placed into your designated recycling box or on-site bin system for collection.

With SMI’s Divert from Earth scheme, materials are then collected and processed through approved recycling and recovery routes via our recycling partner Avena.

How to set up a PPE recycling system

A simple collection system helps teams manage PPE waste more effectively.

To improve day-to-day recycling:

1. Introduce dedicated recycling boxes or on-site collection bins. On-site bins stay in place to reduce disruption for teams, while filled sacks are collected and replaced during each service.
2. Create collection points in changing rooms or welfare areas
3. Use clear signage to help teams dispose of items correctly. It also helps staff understand the benefits of recycling workwear and PPE, including reducing landfill waste and lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
4. Work with a managed recycling partner to support collection and processing

DID YOU KNOW? SMI’s recycling scheme supports both smaller-volume collections and larger on-site recycling setups, with options for one-off projects or rolling scheduled uplifts.

COMPLIANCE CHECKLIST

Before appointing a recycling partner, make sure:

• The courier holds a valid waste carrier licence
• A waste transfer note is provided per collection or annually
• The recycling plant holds a verified waste exemption licence

SMI’s recycling partner Avena operates to recognised industry standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and SafeContractor approval.

This helps protect your business and supports audit requirements.

Who is responsible for updating PPE?

Employers must:

• Provide PPE free of charge
• Replace PPE when damaged, expired, or unsafe
• Maintain PPE correctly and carry out routine checks

WHY IT MATTERS: Damaged PPE offers reduced protection, increases injury risk, and can lead to downtime, lost productivity, and legal claims.

PARTNERING WITH A PPE RECYCLING SCHEME

SMI’s Divert from Earth scheme makes it easy to recycle and recover your workwear and PPE.

Depending on your site requirements, we can provide either recycling boxes or larger on-site bin systems to support ongoing collections.

Once your solution is in place:

1. Collect used PPE and workwear in the provided containers or sacks
2. We arrange collection and provide replacement sacks during servicing
3. Materials are processed through recycling and recovery routes through our recycling partner, Avena

For larger sites using on-site bins, the bin remains in place while replacement sacks are provided during servicing to keep the process simple and consistent.

SMI can also provide supporting documentation to evidence your recycling activity.

Want to find out more? Speak to the team!

FAQs

Can all PPE be recycled?

Most PPE can be recycled, recovered, or repurposed if it is clean and uncontaminated.

Textiles, plastics, and metals can enter approved recovery streams. Contaminated PPE must follow safe disposal guidance.

Does SMI offer PPE recycling support?

Yes. SMI provides a recycling service covering workwear, PPE, helmets, and safety footwear.

How do I dispose of contaminated PPE?

Seal the item in a tied bag, store separately if required, and follow general-waste or sector-specific disposal routes.

Are there regulations for PPE recycling?

There are no mandatory recycling rules, but workplaces must follow HSE guidance for safe disposal and contamination control.