Masks Scattered on Hiking Trails and Beaches... "Disposal Is as Important as Wearing"

Estimated Monthly Disposal of Masks by Our Citizens Up to 60 Million
Discarded Used Masks on Autumn Hiking Trails, Beaches, and Tourist Spots
"Disposal as Important as Wearing"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] As masks are being illegally discarded at autumn outing spots, there are calls to pay as much attention to mask disposal as to wearing them to prevent COVID-19.

According to health authorities on the 27th, the number of masks used by South Koreans since the outbreak of COVID-19 is estimated to be up to 60 million per month. Especially with the recent increase in autumn outing visitors, masks illegally discarded on hiking trails and tourist sites have become a headache.

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. Yujeong Gon (37), who recently visited Gwanaksan, frowned upon seeing masks carelessly scattered around. He said, "Masks are used for hygiene, so if disposal is careless, it seems like all the effort is in vain." Those who clean up illegally discarded masks also face the risk of infection.

Discarded masks also threaten the lives of wildlife. Cases of animals eating masks or mask ear loops getting tangled around their paws are increasing. On social networking services (SNS), environmental groups are sharing posts encouraging people to 'cut 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 the designated waste bag." According to the Gyeonggi Provincial Council, the safe mask disposal methods are: ▲ cut the mask ear loops in half with scissors ▲ tightly tie the designated waste bag containing the mask before disposal ▲ wash hands with soap after properly disposing of the mask.