Used face masks and surgical gloves discarded in the town's parks, paths and riverside pose a major threat to wildlife, the council has warned.

Hounslow Council is urging residents to switch to a greener alternative, and has compiled a guide for disposal.

Some 65 per cent of those who wear disposable masks are unaware they are single-use plastic; around one in five wrongly believes disposable masks should go in the recycling bin, according to research.

Councillor Guy Lambert, Cabinet Member for Highways, Recycling and Companies, said: "Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic has led to a rise in the use of single-use plastic.

"All litter poses a threat to our wildlife and unfortunately, we have seen a huge increase in discarded face masks and surgical gloves in recent months.

"It is simply not acceptable for them to be picked up by our highway teams or members of the public. This could pose a threat to their health, as well as the environment and our borough's much-loved wildlife.

"We know plastic is no good for our health. We urge Hounslow residents to buy or make reusable face coverings. Reusing is something the community should be doing instead of making unnecessary waste.

"We understand people are wearing these to keep safe but keep our staff and wildlife safe too by disposing of any PPE responsibly."

Residents who need to throw away used face masks or PPE, such as surgical gloves, should follow this guidance:

• Dispose of them in your 'black bag' waste bin at home or at work, or a litter bin if you're outside.

• Do not put them in a recycling bin as they cannot be recycled.

• Take them home with you if there is no litter bin - do not drop them as litter.

• Guidance for households with a possible or confirmed COVID occupant: all household waste such as tissues and cleaning cloths should be double bagged tied and stored for 72 hours before placing the bags out for collection either in your own bin or in a communal bin.