AN INNOVATIVE scheme to collect and recycle face masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment has been launched.

Brighton and Hove City Council has joined forces with recycling company Reworked to provide PPE recycling bins and hand sanitiser stations in areas of the city centre.

These areas include the Sea Life Centre in Marine Parade, Komedia in Gardner Street and the i360 on the seafront.

Brighton and Hove is the first city to introduce such a scheme, and residents and visitors can use the bins to dispose of unwanted PPE, including face masks, gloves, visors, protective clothing and even lateral flow tests.

Funding for the bins has come from the government and European Union's Welcome Back fund, which aims to ensure city centres and seaside resorts are ready for visitors again as lockdown restrictions are eased.

Councillor Jamie Lloyd, deputy chairman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: "Face masks 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."

The bins are only being put in place specifically for PPE. Once the bins are full, Reworked will collect and recycle the PPE into hardwearing plastic boards.

Cllr Jamie Lloyd said: "It's really important that only masks gloves and other PPE are dropped off into the recycling bins, and that residents and visitors use our litter and general recycling bins for other waste."

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