We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Managing Mask Waste in the New Normal Era
Summary
This literature review examines mask waste management during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that used masks and other personal protective equipment have become a major contributor to global waste and infectious disease risk, with community education and local government oversight identified as essential for proper disposal.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the dynamics of global landfills so it needs special attention. Personal protective equipment, used masks, gloves are the main contribution to the volume of waste. The handling of infectious waste is a major global concern for public health and environmental sustainability if not handled properly. This can cause the spread of deadly diseases because waste acts as a vector for corona virus deasease that lasts up to 7 days in COVID-19 waste such as masks. Aim: To identify mask waste management in the new normal era. Method: The research method used in this study is a literature review by analyzing journals about mask waste management in the new normal era from Google Scholar between 2019-2021. Findings: Mask waste management in the new normal era can be implemented well by the community. Further socialization and monitoring from local governments is needed so that people understand household medical waste management properly.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Review of the valorization options for the proper disposal of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers reviewed waste management options for the surge in discarded polypropylene face masks during COVID-19, finding that improper disposal contributes directly to microplastic pollution, and proposing valorization strategies — including energy recovery and material upcycling — tailored to country-level infrastructure and emergency conditions.
The Massive Misuse of Face Mask as a Risk to COVID-19 Pandemic in Latin American: The Case of Mexico
Researchers examined face mask waste mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico and Latin America, finding that inadequate waste management infrastructure, poor public compliance, and high single-use mask consumption created significant environmental contamination risks in already strained waste systems.
Face masks: a COVID-19 protector or environmental contaminant?
This review examined how the massive global use of disposable face masks during COVID-19 has created a significant source of microplastic pollution, with billions of masks entering the environment and releasing plastic fibers and chemical contaminants.
The Role of Women in Management of Mask Waste in Indonesia in the Era of the Covid-19 Pandemic
This study examined the role of women in managing disposable mask waste during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, finding that women played a critical role in household waste sorting and proper disposal that reduce environmental contamination.
Understanding the environmental impacts of facemasks: a review on the facemask industry and existing life cycle assessment studies
This review examined the environmental life cycle impacts of disposable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that the surge in mask production and disposal created a significant new source of plastic waste and microplastic pollution globally.