A Guide On How To Dispose Of Face Masks Properly

As a result of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a variety of mask mandates came into force to slow the spread of the highly infectious virus. However, the inappropriate disposal of these personal protective products has created many challenges. Consider these four useful tips on how to dispose of face masks to limit their harmful impact:

Dispose of Masks in Appropriate Bin

Disposable face masks consist of non-biodegradable material that could, over time, break down into nano and microplastics. These threaten the ecosystem as they accumulate in the food chain and could require over 400 years to break down. To reduce the risk they pose, make sure that your used masks end up in the trash.

At home, place them in a plastic bag and then seal the bag before placing it in the general waste bin. At the workplace, set aside specific waste disposal bins for masks and empty these before they overflow. Use a liner in these bins to keep the containers sanitary and seal them up before collection. Choose a bin that minimizes contact, such as a foot-pedal model.

Never Place Used Masks in Recycle Bins

Never place used masks in the recycle bin, as this could cause more harm than good. For starters, sanitation workers often touch such items before recycling and during the separation stage, which could lead to infection. Second, collecting, sorting out, and recycling them often costs more than the value of the end product, limiting the provision of such services in most regions.

Prepare Used Masks for Proper Disposal

There have been numerous instances where ear loops from improperly disposed masks have been found tangling up the limps of birds and small animals. This is a significant yet unnecessary threat to their lives because it limits movement and makes them easy prey for predators and forces of nature. To avoid these, always cut the loops before disposal.

Safely Handling Contaminated Masks

Research shows harmful microorganisms can survive for close to seven days on a face mask. Unsafe handling can therefore pose a considerable risk of infection transmission. Before disposing of masks an infected person uses, place them in a plastic bag, tie the bag, and keep it aside for at least 72 hours. After that, place the bag in general waste.

As an extra precaution, marking the bag with a “Risk of Contamination” tag could help garbage collectors handle them carefully to avoid infection.

Protect Yourself During Cleanup Exercises

Improperly discarded masks pose a severe risk to children and public custodians who can touch them accidentally. Whenever you take part in a cleanup exercise or handle masks you find littered, wear the appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and a face mask. Dispose of these PPEs immediately and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

When to Discard Your Disposable Mask

For safety purposes, it is essential to discard your used mask immediately after use and not reuse it. You should also dispose of a mask if it is visibly soiled or damp from contact with bodily fluids. Do not wear one for more than eight consecutive hours.

Promoting Safety with Responsible Disposal of Masks

When the billions of masks used globally are improperly disposed of, they often end up in the waterways. In some cases, innocent animals that fail to distinguish between food and trash, ingest them, and suffer the consequences. Adopting proper disposal practices will go a long way in protecting our environment and the life forms it holds.