Metro.co.uk’s Just1Change event highlights the small changes we can all make to help save the planet.

We researched the most environmentally friendly food delivery service, debunked your primary recycling myth, and now we are focusing on Covid-19 waste.

The once shortage of demand is now scattered on our streets-the use of disposable masks on a global scale is an environmental nightmare in the making.

In the fight against the spread of Covid-19, the proliferation of disposable products is inevitable, but now the old blue masks that can be seen everywhere on the street are a familiar sight.

With the continuous outbreak of the coronavirus, the problem of mask contamination will only get worse.

But how bad are these masks for the planet, and can they be recycled?

This is everything you need to know.

Disposable masks do cause incredible damage to the environment.

Nina Schrank, a senior plastic activist at Greenpeace in the United Kingdom, explained to Metro.co.uk: “Like other plastic products designed to be thrown away once or twice, disposable masks will eventually be landfilled and incinerated. The furnace burns and pollutes our natural environment." The world. '

Disposable masks are made of a type of plastic called polypropylene fabric.

According to the Climate Action Group "Waste-Free Ocean", polypropylene fabric may take 450 years to decompose in nature.

They also emphasized that fish and other sea creatures may mistake masks for food-such as jellyfish-and accidentally ingest them, leading to health complications and even death.

A team of researchers from the University of Southern Denmark found that 3 million masks are thrown away every minute in the world.

According to data from the Plastics Innovation Center of University College London, if only half of the British population uses a disposable mask every day for a year, a total of 12 billion masks will be used every year.

This is equivalent to more than 30,000 tons of contaminated plastic waste—about three times the weight of the Eiffel Tower.

The local council does not extensively recycle disposable masks.

Stephen Clark, director of communications at TerraCycle Europe, explained to Metro.co.uk that this was because: “Separating the materials that make up the mask is a complicated and expensive process, and the council cannot afford it.”

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However, there is some good news-you can recycle your masks in special collection bins located in 150 Wilko stores across the country.

Wilko estimates that 400,000 huge masks can be recovered through the program. This is equivalent to up to 966 kg of disposable plastic.

Find the Wilko mask recycling bin nearest you on the Wilko website.

Once filled, the recycling bin will be taken away by ReWorked. After a 72-hour quarantine period, the mask is washed and shredded into raw materials, which can be manufactured into new products.

Or, you can find out if your workplace has a disposable mask recycling box, such as TerraCycle Zero Waste Box.

You can buy these boxes from the TerraCycle website, starting at £132.72.

However, the best way to reduce the pollution caused by disposable masks is to stop buying them and choose reusable masks instead.

Nina explained to Metro.co.uk: “We can all do our part by wearing reusable masks made of breathable fabrics such as cotton.

'These are as effective and safe for the public as disposable alternatives, and are much less harmful to the environment.

"We need to get rid of single-use systems, first reduce the amount of wasted single-use plastics we produce, and give priority to reusable plastics as much as possible."

In addition, a CIWM spokesperson told Metro.co.uk: "It is worth noting that in addition to being more environmentally friendly than disposable masks, reusable masks also have good economic significance."

You can buy reusable masks online, or you can make them at home.

Just make sure to clean the mask after each use.

However, it is worth noting that cloth masks are generally believed to be less effective than medical masks in preventing the spread of Covid-19.

Make sure you choose a high-quality three-layer membrane designed to fit the face, made of a waterproof fabric with a large amount of yarn and a finer weave.

More: 15 common recycling myths debunked

More: Are tote bags harmful to the environment? Why is there a problem with reusable items

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