"Discarded Masks on the Streets, Who Cleans Them?" Sanitation Workers Struggle Amid the COVID Crisis

Discarding Used Masks on the Street... 'Conscience Lost'
Sanitation Workers "Worried About Possible Germs"
Experts "Proper Disposal Is as Important as Wearing Masks"
Self-Quarantined Individuals Must Use Health Center Provided Waste Bags for Collection

On the afternoon of the 6th, discarded masks in a busy area of Seoul. Concerns are growing about whether these masks may carry the novel coronavirus. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "I just wish people would properly throw their masks into the trash bins."

As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spread and wearing masks became mandatory, some citizens have been carelessly discarding their used masks anywhere on the streets, causing difficulties for sanitation workers. There is also growing anxiety that discarded masks could contribute to the spread of COVID-19 infection.

On the 6th, a sanitation worker met in a busy area of Jung-gu, Seoul, expressed, "Masks may carry bacteria such as the coronavirus, so it feels quite uncomfortable for us who have to clean them up." He added, "If the mask was used by someone infected with COVID-19, who would compensate for the damage?"

As the sanitation worker pointed out, disposable masks discarded on the streets were visible everywhere. They were easily found not only near the entrances of companies crowded with office workers but also in alleys filled with bars in busy districts.

Due to growing concerns about COVID-19 infection, there were no citizens willing to pick up masks and throw them into trash bins. Masks discarded by someone were effectively rolling around here and there, increasing fears of COVID-19 spread.

A sanitation worker is cleaning up trash on the street. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Citizens who saw masks discarded on the streets unanimously expressed their inability to understand this behavior. A man in his 30s, office worker A, who said he regularly follows COVID-19 related news, stated, "Even if not just because of COVID-19, you never know what kind of bacteria might be on the mask. Isn't it just a bundle of germs?" He raised his voice, saying, "This is simply an irresponsible act. The person who threw it away should be found and fined."

Another office worker in his 40s, B, shared a similar opinion. B said, "If the person who discarded the mask turns out to be a confirmed case, they should be punished according to relevant laws," and expressed frustration, "At least during the COVID-19 crisis, people who throw masks on the street should be fined as a minor offense."

Masks discarded on the street. [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to experts, just as important as choosing and wearing masks properly is taking them off and disposing of them correctly.

Zhong Nanshan (鐘南山), China’s top authority on respiratory diseases, explained the proper way to remove masks in a video posted on the official social network of the Guangdong Provincial Government on January 30. The video was produced by the Guangdong Provincial Health Commission.

Zhong Nanshan is currently the head of the senior expert team at China’s National Health Commission and is regarded as a 'SARS hero' for his participation in the 2003 SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) response.

According to Zhong Nanshan, masks should be removed by holding only the ear loops with your hands and using those loops to take off the mask. You should not touch the outer surface of the mask with your hands when removing it, as viruses and other contaminants on the mask surface could transfer to your hands.

Care is also needed when disposing of used masks. According to the mask disposal steps introduced by the Guangdong Provincial Health Commission: ① Fold the mask in half twice by touching only the edges to avoid contact with the mask surface. ② Tie the mask using the gathered ear loops. ③ Spray disinfectant on the mask or, if not possible, place it in a plastic bag, seal it tightly, and then throw it into the trash bin. ④ After disposing of the mask, disinfect your hands or any potentially contaminated body parts.

Meanwhile, masks worn by non-infected individuals are classified as household waste and should be disposed of in designated volume-based waste bags.

Those under self-quarantine suspected of COVID-19 infection must follow the disposal process according to the 'Special Measures for Safe Management of Waste Related to Novel Coronavirus Infection.'

Self-quarantined individuals should place masks in special waste bags provided by health centers, disinfect and seal them, and store them securely. Afterwards, they must contact the health center staff to arrange for collection and disposal.