Coronavirus: Disposable Masks 'causing A Lot Of Plastic Waste

The plastic material contained in disposable masks can pollute water sources. Discarded masks will entangle wild animals, and wild animals who eat disposable masks by mistake will also be life-threatening.

To prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, some governments have mandated that people wear disposable or reusable masks on public transportation, in shops, and in other confined spaces. Used single-use masks typically contain plastic polypropylene and should be disposed of in a "black bag" waste bin "or in a trash can if outside".

Also, don't throw used single-use masks "in the recyclable bins, as they cannot be recycled through regular recycling facilities" and "if there are no bins around...then take them home...don't forget Don't throw it away as rubbish."

But as the public continues to be told to wear masks, environmental groups say thousands or even millions of single-use masks have been dumped outdoors, wreaking havoc in towns and villages.

The Marine Environmental Conservation Society recently launched a "Beach Cleanup in Great Britain" program, which runs from September 18th to September 25th. As part of the plan, the association is asking volunteers to record the number of masks they pick up.

Laura Foster, the association's head of ocean cleanup, said: "If nothing else, look at places like the Thames, where there are masks floating on the river. When the masks are still intact, wildlife can easily become entangled in them. or ingest the plastic in the masks. These masks are not biodegradable, but they will eventually break down, releasing more microplastics into the ocean and food chain.”

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is encouraging people wearing disposable masks to "cut the rubber bands off the mask" after using them to prevent small animals from getting tangled in the rubber bands. In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, we all want to do everything we can to keep others safe. Wearing a mask is an important part, but it shouldn't come at the expense of our planet. Obviously, disposable masks create a lot of waste. Outside of the necessary clinical setting, there are many eco-friendly, reusable alternatives to choose from.