Covid-19 Waste and the Circular Economy

by Megan Bourassa

DISCLAIMER: Research and health guidelines regarding masks are constantly changing and improving. Please look to your local health authorities for the most up to date information.

Despite Covid uncertainty, it is clear that new habits such as social distancing and wearing face masks are here to stay. While there is no doubt that face coverings help prevent the spread of the virus, we can’t help but wonder what the long term implications of mask-wearing are on our health, and the health of the environment. Is it possible to navigate the global pandemic safely, while also continuing ahead with waste diversion measures? Can we continue to advocate the transition to a circular economy during a global health crisis?

What are masks made of?

According to thomasnet.com, disposable single-use masks can include materials such as Polypropylene, Polystyrene, Polycarbonate (which can contain BPAs), Polyethylene, and in some cases, formaldehyde resin (for anti-wrinkle properties). These materials can irritate the nose, eyes and throat. Formaldehyde has been labelled as a probable carcinogen by the EPA. There is not enough significant scientific research to know the long term effects of having these materials on our faces, and breathing them in everyday. We also know that these plastic derived fibres are not biodegradable or compostable, so once these masks are used and tossed, they will be in landfills for centuries to come.

What is the environmental impact of face masks?

Worldwide, it is estimated that 129 billion disposable face masks and 64 billion gloves have been used and thrown away each month since the Covid-19 pandemic began. That’s a lot of garbage, in addition to the already overwhelming ~150 million tonnes of single use plastic disposed of per year. Ocean plastic pollution is up 30%, according to Dave Ford of the Ocean Plastics Leadership Network. This issue is already global, with OceansAsia and French nonprofit Opération Mer Propre reporting masses of surgical masks and PPE in Hong Kong’s Soko Islands, and the Meditteranean respectively. Given these overwhelming figures, it is no surprise that the pandemic has felt like a setback for environmentalists. On top of PPE waste, many businesses, such as Starbucks and several grocery store chains, have reinforced the same single use plastics that had previously been banned or discouraged.

However, actions are being taken to allow waste diversion and public health measures to coexist. Back in June, over 125 doctors, academics, and scientists from around the world signed a statement confirming that reusables (such as bags, cups, etc.) can be used safely during the pandemic, given basic hygiene procedures. This begins to prove that public health measures and action towards climate justice can and must exist simultaneously.

Disposable masks have a lifespan of up to 450 years in landfill, considering their plastic derived materials do not biodegrade. While they are technically plastic, they should not be recycled. Attempting to recycle used masks can contaminate the rest of the recyclables, and pose a health risk to sorters. Some municipalities have reported masks being flushed down the toilet, which is also a bad idea, since they can clog the sewage systems. Hospitals have proper disposal procedures for contaminated PPE, but these waste streams are not typically available to the general public. There is currently no good way to dispose of these single use items.

Are there better options?

It is clear from an environmental perspective that single-use masks should be reserved for medical personnel, and the general public should wear reusable masks. This has been reiterated by Canadian health officials, who have recommended non-medical face coverings, including reusable fabric masks, for situations where social distancing is not possible. (Update: in Canada it has been recommended that filters be added to reusable masks.) The UN Trade body UNCTAD has been encouraging governments to promote the use of natural fibres such as rice husk, hemp, jute, and natural rubber for more sustainable alternatives. This would not only help the environment, but also create new jobs in developing countries where these materials are produced. “We can invest in a future of reduced waste, better health outcomes, greater job creation, and a cleaner and more resilient environment for both people and nature” says Tom Dillo, VP of Environment at The Pew Charitable Trusts.

This has already started happening. Researchers at UBC are developing a mask made from wood fibres. A French manufacturer has also created the first compostable face mask made of hemp meant to replace single use poly masks. Dorma Filtration has developed a Health Canada approved reusable N99 mask, which will be widely distributed this winter. The mask is more efficient and more eco-friendly than its disposable counterparts; being effective for at least 30 wears, with recyclable parts.

Solutions do exist, they just need more research and more funding. The United Nations has reiterated this by urging governments to treat waste management as an "urgent and essential service" for addressing the pandemic, and to prevent further negative effects to the environment.

Circular Economy moving forward

If the pandemic has done anything, it has woken a lot of people up to the reality we are facing. Beyond the pandemic is a looming climate crisis begging for immediate action. Climate change will only increase the risk for future disasters and public health crises. We need to take immediate action, and the transition to a circular economy is a crucial step. Going back to our initial question: Can we continue to advocate the transition to a circular economy during a global health crisis? Yes we can, and must. It’s time to build back better, not only to get through this pandemic, but to help prevent future public health and environmental crises.

What You Can Do

Think critically about which masks you choose to purchase and wear. If possible, choose a reusable mask. Consider how you care for your masks, in order to make them last. Regardless of which type of mask you choose, please dispose of them responsibly at their end of life, according to recycling and waste regulations in your region. Let’s do our part to keep mask and PPE waste out of our environments!

References:

Bailey, Cynthia. “Can You Have an Allergy to Face Masks?” Dr. Bailey Skin Care, Dr. Bailey Skin Care, 9 Apr. 2020, drbaileyskincare.com/blogs/blog/can-you-be-allergic-to-a-face-mask.

Canada, Public Health Agency of. “Government of Canada.” COVID-19: Non-Medical Masks and Face Coverings - Canada.ca, / Gouvernement Du Canada, 3 Nov. 2020, www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/about-non-medical-masks-face-coverings.html.

“Facts . About Plastic . Help - Plastic Oceans Foundation.” Plastic Oceans International, 20 Oct. 2020, plasticoceans.org/the-facts/.

“Five Things You Should Know about Disposable Masks and Plastic Pollution | | UN News.” United Nations, United Nations, 30 July 2020, news.un.org/en/story/2020/07/1069151.

Henneberry, Brittany. “How Surgical Masks Are Made, Tested and Used.” , Tested and Used, Thomas, 2020, www.thomasnet.com/articles/other/how-surgical-masks-are-made/.

Kaplan, Rob, and Martin Stuchtey. “Collateral Damage: COVID-19's Impact on Ocean Plastic Pollution.” Greenbiz, 30 Oct. 2020, www.greenbiz.com/article/collateral-damage-covid-19s-impact-ocean-plastic-pollution?utm_source=newsletter.

Kassam, Ashifa. “'More Masks than Jellyfish': Coronavirus Waste Ends up in Ocean.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 8 June 2020, www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/08/more-masks-than-jellyfish-coronavirus-waste-ends-up-in-ocean.

Liebsch, Toby. “The Rise of the Face Mask: What's the Environmental Impact of 17 Million N95 Masks?” Ecochain, 17 Sept. 2020, ecochain.com/knowledge/footprint-face-masks-comparison/.

Mosley, Tonya, and Serena McMahon. “COVID-19 Pandemic Has Led To More Ocean Plastic Pollution.” COVID-19 Pandemic Has Led To More Ocean Plastic Pollution | Here & Now, WBUR, 12 Oct. 2020, www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2020/10/12/plastic-pollution-coronavirus.

Schrank, Nina. “Reusables Can Be Used Safely: Over 125 Health Experts Fire Back at the Plastic Industry.” Greenpeace Canada, 22 June 2020, www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/story/40172/reusables-can-be-used-safely-over-125-health-experts-fire-back-at-the-plastic-industry/.