Discarded Used Masks Carelessly Thrown on Streets and Between Stones... "Quarantine Measures Needed Even During Disposal"

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] Masks used to prevent infection from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are being illegally discarded at autumn outing spots. There are calls to pay attention not only to wearing masks but also to their proper disposal.

According to health authorities on the 21st, over 7,800 tons of medical waste have been processed in the seven months since the outbreak of COVID-19, which is up to four times more compared to the same period last year. Masks, which are a basic part of personal hygiene, account for a significant portion of medical waste. In particular, the amount of masks disposed of not only by hospitals and medical facilities but also by ordinary citizens is believed to be even greater. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, it is estimated that South Koreans have used up to 60 million masks per month.

According to the Ministry of Environment's "Recyclable Waste Separation Guidelines," masks are classified as general waste, not recyclable waste. They should be placed in designated waste bags and incinerated. Especially with the recent increase in autumn outing visitors, masks illegally discarded on hiking trails and tourist sites have become a nuisance. Yujeonggon (37), who visited Gwanaksan Mountain last weekend, frowned upon seeing masks scattered here and there due to illegal dumping. He said, "Masks are used for hygiene, but if disposal is careless, it seems like all efforts are in vain." Those who clean up illegally discarded masks also face the risk of infection.

Carelessly discarded masks also threaten the lives of wildlife. There has been an increase in cases where animals eat masks or get their paws entangled in mask ear loops. On social networking services (SNS), environmental groups are sharing posts encouraging the "cutting of mask ear loops," spreading the campaign.

Professor Eunmi Cheon of the Respiratory Medicine Department at Ewha Mokdong Hospital advised, "To prevent the virus from spreading, fold the mask several times and dispose of it deep inside a designated waste bag." The Gyeonggi Provincial Council summarized safe mask disposal methods as follows: ▲ Cut the mask ear loops in half with scissors ▲ Tie the designated waste bag containing the mask tightly before disposal ▲ Wash hands with soap after properly disposing of the mask.