How to Dispose of Masks Responsibly

Lisa C. Community, COVID-19, Daily Life

Now that face masks are compulsory in indoor public premises and public vehicles in Calgary, it’s time to address the issue of irresponsibly disposed masks.

If you use a single-use mask, first of all, do not re-use it. Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp. It’s important to dispose of it correctly and responsibly. Otherwise, the mask may become a source of infection, because of the germs that may stay on it.

Here’s how to remove and dispose of masks properly:
  • Remove the mask from behind and avoid touching the front of the mask.
  • Cutting the elastic bands and straps so that wild animals and birds won’t be tangled and trapped in them.
  • Discard it immediately into closed bins and wash hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

* According to the City of Calgary, you should put used face masks into the black cart as garbage.

To help protect the environment, you may choose to wear fabric masks. Learn about the Effectiveness of Different Masks at Stopping COVID-19 Droplets. If you do decide to use fabric masks, learn How to care & clean fabric masks.

Word of the Day:

Tangled: twisted together, entrapped

More information:

https://www.calgary.ca/uep/wrs/what-goes-where/face-masks.html

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/epi-win/how-to-use-mask-v0-1-print.pdf?sfvrsn=64ba1493_2

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks?fbclid=IwAR3b_g2xoGYbY85rOC6W4Y07-vMxCGYN4VKBZL-gy1lnnYAOOuL3PxMkODc

https://www.mountainside-medical.com/pages/how-to-properly-dispose-of-a-face-mask?fbclid=IwAR19FxjT5wl92XWcTs1c2JUSNvtRVnn66LPYbgmhI_PYnHmepPpBtLMHihA