Masks and other COVID waste (wipes, gloves, face shields, etc.) have started to take a huge negative toll on the environment due to littering and a large number of disposable packaging.
With the amount of waste that COVID PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is creating, pollution will be a harder task to deal with.
In masks and other PPE , there are many hidden plastic materials, which means that every time we throw away a disposable mask, it won’t really decompose. This means that the planet will have much more plastic and waste due to the mass production of masks and the many people throwing their masks away on the streets. The world was already struggling with pollution and plastic waste in the ocean, but with this pandemic, a bunch of masks and other litter related to the virus will be added to the plate.
Many countries have reported a decrease in the recycling value chain and a disruption to operations in recycling facilities because of the lockdowns and measures of the pandemic. Certain polluted cities have reported having more than double the amount of medical waste since COVID started, which adds complications to the increasing environmental pollution.
To help with the toll COVID waste is taking on the world:
1. Don't litter any waste or plastic you have on you and throw them away in trash bins or recycling bins.
2. Wear washable masks when possible—make sure you’re safe though!
3. If you have any used PPE, you should put it away in a sealed plastic bag and throw it away in the trash.
4. Don’t waste your PPE for unnecessary purposes and only use them when needed.
Pollution is still important and a tough challenge even during this pandemic. Make sure to always try your best to help the planet by not using materials that aren’t biodegradable and by composting!
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