Wearing face masks is a clear way to stop the spread of COVID-19, so now they’re everywhere.
Some are reusable cloth masks, while others are disposable and intended to be used just one time. It’s important to know how to dispose of them properly.
“While it’s especially important to keep yourselves and others healthy by masking up right now, it’s also important to keep the Earth we rely on healthy, too,” says Travis Hawks, a sustainability specialist with Advocate Aurora Health.
For starters, you should properly dispose of face masks in the garbage and don’t litter. Masks have been found on the sides of nature trails and littering neighborhoods.
“These masks ultimately end up in our waterways, can tangle or suffocate wildlife, and break down into microplastics that get ingested by wildlife and humans alike if not disposed of properly. Most single-use masks are made of polypropylene plastic, which take up to 450 years to degrade in the environment,” says Hawks.
For another, you should cut the ear loops of your disposable mask before you throw it away. That way, birds can’t get caught in the loops if they happen upon a mask in the garbage or if they end up in the environment. It’s like how you’re encouraged to snip those plastic rings that fit around six-packs of beer and soda. This is an easy thing to do and might help a bird.
For your safety and safety of others, it’s important to follow the following precautions to prevent virus transmission when disposing of your mask.
After mask removal, dispose into an appropriate waste receptacle, and perform hand hygiene using alcohol based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol or soap & water if available. If using a cloth mask, the CDC recommends regular cleaning.
While not everyone is crafty enough to make one, cloth masks can be re-used if you wash them regularly. You can watch the video below to learn more about what to look for in a cloth mask.
Mike Riopell
Mike Riopell, health enews contributor, is a media relations coordinator with Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care. He previously worked as a reporter and editor covering politics and government for the Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald and Bloomington Pantagraph, among others. He enjoys bicycles, home repair, flannel shirts and being outside.
FAQs
Toss disposable masks in the garbage after wearing them. They are made of mixed materials and cannot be recycled.
How do you dispose of masks? ›
The materials should be placed into two small plastic bags - one inside the other. Tie the bags firmly and throw them away with your general domestic waste. If the materials have been in contact with an infected person, take extra care and write "RISK OF CONTAMINATION".
What to do with old face masks? ›
Old face coverings can make for great scraps for quilting, making doll clothing, or even fashioning a hamster-sized hammock. You can also look to some of the world's most creative dress designers and sculpture artists for inspiration.
Can I recycle face masks? ›
You can recycle disposable face masks at some Morrisons supermarketsOpens in new window, and Wilko homeware shops.
Do you throw away N95 masks? ›
Learn more at Coronavirus.UFHealth.org
Note: If following this rotation, N95 masks may be reused as long as they do not become wet, visibly soiled or deformed, causing them to not fit well anymore. If any of these occur, the N95 should be disposed of.
When should you throw away face masks? ›
Disposable face masks will have a best-by date on their packaging, just like food items. While this date will probably be a few years away, it's still important to use the masks before this date for the best protection.
Do you throw away a sheet mask after use? ›
Sheet masks are only intended to be used once. After you use one, make sure you throw the mask itself and the packaging away in the garbage. Used sheet masks dry out and lose most of the ingredients that make them work, so reusing one won't do anything for your skin.
How do we discard a face shield? ›
To do this, tilt your head forward slightly, grab the strap at the temples and pull it forward and over your head, which will let the face shield fall from your face. Dispose of the face shield.
Can face masks be washed and reused? ›
Both community face masks and medical face masks can be reused in a non-medical setting several times as a protective barrier against particles sizes ≥ 3 μ m particle sizes as long as the masks are wearable.
How many times can you reuse a mask? ›
Do not reuse a mask more than five times.
We have compiled a list of our favorite methods for mask disposals from creative DIYs to exciting recycling campaigns.
- UsE your old masks as clothing patches. ...
- Upcycling via textile companies. ...
- Art and 'Trashion' ...
- TerraCycle's Zero Waste Boxes. ...
- Keep your favorites!!
The face shield is made from Acetate, a polymer made from wood pulp and cotton linters, so can be recycled with your paper products.
How to dispose of face masks in the UK? ›
If you or members of your household are self-isolating and need to dispose of any used face coverings or PPE , you should:
- double bag them.
- store them for 72 hours before putting them in a 'black bag' waste bin.
Throw away your sheet mask after you use it.
Sheet masks are only intended to be used once. After you use one, make sure you throw the mask itself and the packaging away in the garbage. Used sheet masks dry out and lose most of the ingredients that make them work, so reusing one won't do anything for your skin.
Should I throw away a sheet mask after use? ›
No, don't throw it away! The leftover essence can be used all over the arms, neck, elbows, and knees for extra moisture and nutrition.
Do you throw away a sheet mask after one use? ›
A sheet mask after-use can work perfectly as a moisturizer for your body. Use the leftover serum on the mask to moisturize your neck and hands. You can use it on the dry skin areas of your body and this serum would magically hydrate those parts. Gently rub the mask on the skin to let it get absorbed completely.
Should we reuse the face mask sheet? ›
Face masks especially cloth masks shouldn't be reused after you've been out in public places all day because bacteria buildup is likely. After using it for a few hours, you should disinfect the mask — wash it with soap and warm water. Leave it out in the sun if possible.
