How to safely dispose of face masks and protect the environment

Studies show disposable face masks are of 'greater concern than plastic bags.' If not disposed of properly, they can end up in freshwater systems and oceans like other waste.

Studies show disposable face masks are of 'greater concern than plastic bags.' If not disposed of properly, they can end up in freshwater systems and oceans like other waste.  

Environmentalists have been raising concerns about face masks causing litter on land and at sea much before the COVID-19 pandemic began two years ago.  

A recent study showed that about 129 billion face masks are globally used and thrown away every month, or nearly three million per minute.   

A man guides a raft through a polluted canal littered with plastic bags and other garbage, in Mumbai, India. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool) Source: AP

Impact on environment 

The study said most disposable face masks are made from plastic microfibers, which can persist in the environment for decades and hundreds of years.

"With increasing reports on inappropriate disposal of masks, it is urgent to recognize this potential environmental threat and prevent it from becoming the next plastic problem," researchers warn.

Unsafely discarded masks pose a direct threat to humans and animals. They can potentially spread coronavirus or other diseases in waste collectors and litter pickers. 

Experts claim the virus can survive on a plastic surgical mask for a few days in certain conditions.

Environment-friendly face masks

A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study shows that fully reusable silicone N95 masks could help reduce 75 per cent of waste and costs to the environment.

These masks can stop viral particles as effectively as disposable N95 masks, which are high in demand amongst health care workers and ordinary citizens.

The study blamed the pandemic for generating up to 7,200 tons of medical waste daily, mostly disposable masks.

A N95 mask is seen on the sidewalk next to corona beer bottle caps outside a Medical Centre. Source: AAP

Environmental experts recommend:

• Use reusable masks without disposable filters. Machine wash them regularly and follow the instructions for the fabric
• Carry a spare reusable mask in case of loss or damage 
• Throw the used disposable mask into a bin with a lid at home
• No to recycling of disposable masks as it can be a potential biohazard to waste collectors 
• Whatever you do, don't litter them.

Read all COVID-19 information in your language on the SBS Coronavirus portal.