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Mont-de-Marsan : à la pharmacie Terral, une boîte attend les masques usagés

La pharmacie Terral, à Mont-de-Marsan, collecte depuis un peu plus d’un an les masques chirurgicaux jetables du personnel et des patients. « Avant la pandémie, nous avions commencé à travailler sur une démarche écoresponsable en définissant certaines orientations. Lorsque le Covid est arrivé, nous nous sommes préoccupés du recyclage des masques », raconte Stéphane Terral. Le pharmacien titulaire fait alors appel à TerraCycle.

Face Masks Are Hurting The Environment

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Disposable masks are usually made of polypropylene, which can break into microplastics and if eaten by wildlife can block their digestive tracts.

On sidewalks, subways and sewer grates, single-use mask litter is everywhere. In Chicago, it's not unusual to find discarded masks mixed in with snow. KN95 masks and N95 masks are the highest barrier of protection. They perform better than the surgical-type mask, which performs better than the traditional cloth mask. Medical experts recommend high-quality single-use masks instead of reusable cloth masks, and while they better protect us from the Omicron variant, they also create a lot of trash. The environmental impacts from discarded masks are huge. "Just in 2020, it was estimated that approximately 1.6 billion of these types of masks ended up in our oceans," said Michele Okoh, senior lecturing fellow at Duke University's Environmental Law and Policy Clinic. "That's roughly 5,500 tons of plastic pollution." Disposable masks are usually made of polypropylene, which can break into microplastics, which can block the digestive tracts of wildlife if eaten. "It's estimated that one face mask can turn into 173,000 microfibers per day in our seas," Okoh said. Globally, one study estimates 3.4 billion face masks are discarded every day. There are some ways to help protect the environment. A New Jersey company, TerraCycle, has been recycling disposable masks for 15 years, transforming them into flooring and park benches. "The problem is most objects, packages and products that we interact with are not recyclable, not because they can't be, but because they cost more to collect and process than the results are worth," TerraCycle CEO Tom Szaky said. One way to help is to use masks more than once. "If you put the KN95 mask into a paper bag overnight, by the next day, it is appropriate to use this again," said Dr. Joseph Gastaldo, medical director of infectious diseases at OhioHealth. "But again, we want you to sanitize your hands before you put it on and do a visual inspection of the mask to make sure that it still fits you properly and it's not degraded." Still, environmentalists like Michele Okoh say large manufacturing companies should step up when it comes to sustainability. "That's a huge burden on consumers, so there needs to be a shift away from that and actually putting the responsibility on companies," Okoh said.

PPE Use Protects Us Against Coronavirus, but It’s Harming the Oceans

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Did you know that 91% of the plastic produced has never been recycled? Yet calls to eliminate single-use plastics lost their force in the initial panic of the pandemic and the rush to secure personal protective equipment (PPE). As we get ready to end our second year of COVID-19, we have learned a lot, yet it is still common to see discarded PPE littering the landscape. Many of these items — including disposable masks, gloves, and antibacterial wipes — are designed for one-time use. Unfortunately, so many people improperly dispose of PPE that we are experiencing a “plastic pandemic” on our streets, public transport, green spaces, and beaches, according to the Alliance to End Plastic Waste’s Jacob Duer. Improperly discarded PPE contributes to the overwhelming plastic pollution in the world’s oceans. Here’s why this is a problem and what you and your community can do to reduce PPE waste.

The Problem: PPE in Our Oceans

Gary Stokes, the founder of marine conservation group OceansAsia, reported collecting 70 masks along 100 yards of beach near Hong Kong during a trip to the uninhabited Soko Islands in February when the pandemic had only just begun. Here’s how they got there: When we don’t throw waste into a secure garbage can, wind can blow it into the gutter where it mixes with rainwater and is washed out to the rivers and sea. From there, it washes to near and far shores. Marine animals like turtles and fish often mistake this waste for food. Ingesting it can lead to a slow and painful death. And plastic waste, like gloves, never fully degrades in water. Instead, it breaks into smaller pieces called microplastics. Plastics are, pun intended, a mixed bag. Today, many consider them a necessary evil: Masks are proven to slow the spread of COVID-19, and when we don’t wear them correctly, more people become sick, hospitals use more resources, and we create more waste. Worldwide, we are using an estimated 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves each month.

What We Can Do to Reduce PPE Waste

Due to both material and contamination issues, single-use PPE can’t be recycled in your curbside bin (but check out TerraCycle’s paid options for recycling disposable gloves). With minimal options for recycling disposable PPE, we must use less of it and dispose of what we use correctly and safely.

Avoid Single-Use PPE When Possible

The CDC website offers guidance for selecting, wearing, and caring for your cloth mask correctly. Make sure it fits properly and consists of two or more layers of fabric. To keep yourself and others safe, launder your reusable mask regularly. Wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds each time, instead of using plastic gloves or hand sanitizer. Hot water and soap are the best way to prevent the spread of infection.

Discard Single-Use PPE Safely

Disposing of PPE improperly puts essential workers and your neighbors at risk of getting infected. Take an extra step to protect them before placing your masks, gloves, and wipes in the trash. Use a reusable bag that can be sealed to store used PPE while on the go and dispose of it in your home garbage bin, sealing the bag before pickup.

Make It Easier to Properly Dispose of PPE

Businesses can use behavioral insights to combat PPE litter and “[make] trash cans convenient and conspicuous by tracing a path to them with green foot-step stickers, or [place] more of them in a given area” where people commonly remove PPE.

Use Educational Messaging

People respond well to motivational messaging and concrete calls to action in PPE disposal areas. Research has found that “emphasizing people’s duty to protect frontline workers can be effective.”

Enforce Littering Fines

Municipalities in Massachusetts and New York have imposed hefty fines on PPE littering, yet the threat is not enough to stop bad behavior when fines are not enforced. The best road may be to combine existing fines with educational campaigns to mobilize the public and create a collaborative rather than punishing atmosphere. Of course, we don’t need fines if everyone does their part. Dispose of used PPE responsibly to avoid contaminating others and for the sake of our oceans. Remember, we’re all in this together.

If You're Wondering What to Do With Old Face Masks, Here Are the Best Options

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With COVID-19 infection rates on the decline and more people receiving vaccinations, the end of the coronavirus pandemic feels like it's finally within reach. After more than a year of wearing face masks, the CDC (Centers For Disease Control and Prevention) recently advised in May that "fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance." But for many, the idea of forgoing face masks entirely is both exciting and worrying all in one.These protective coverings have been a part of our daily routines (and outfits!) for a long time now, so adjusting those habits will take some time to get used to. With 12 months of masks to dispose of, getting rid of them the most sustainable way is key to reducing waste. While some disposable face masks are made of mixed materials and can't be recycled, there are still ways to keep litter at bay. If you're looking for the best way to discard your unwanted masks, there are a handful of great options. Whether you're looking to recycle them or give them new life, here are the best ways you can do away with your COVID-19 face coverings (if and when you feel safe to do so). How to Get Rid of Disposable Face Masks If you don't want to throw a used face mask in the trash, try recycling it instead. TerraCycle, a private recycling business, recycles disposable face masks and other medical supplies through its Zero Waste Boxes. These boxes can recycle nonwoven disposable plastic-based masks including three-ply surgical, dust masks, KN95, and N95 masks. To send them your masks, just purchase a box, fill it up, then mail it back to the company using a prepaid label. The old masks are then made into new products like plastic lumber. How to Get Rid of Cloth Masks If you want to get rid of a reusable cloth mask as a textile, it can be disposed of with other clothing and textiles. Just make sure to clean it first, and you'll be good to go. How to Reuse Old Face Masks If you have any disposable masks that have not been used or reusable masks that you won't wear in the future, consider donating them or giving them away. You can also wash cloth face masks and reuse them again the next time you're sick. How to Upcycle Old Face Masks If you want to upcycle old face masks, there are ways to do that, too! You can either get crafty and cut up old cloth masks and turn them into towels, scarves, blankets, and more, or you can stitch them into clothes and socks. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative!

How to reduce face mask pollution, according to experts

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Experts recommend how to properly dispose of single-use face masks, and explain why they’re having harmful effects on the environment

Throughout the past year, face masks have become one of the most prominent symbols of the coronavirus pandemic, both on our faces and, according to experts, in pollution scattered across the planet’s beaches, streets and bodies of water. OceansAsia, a nonprofit marine conservation advocacy organization, recently conducted research about how many single-use face masks are likely to have entered the world’s oceans in 2020. Overall, the organization estimates that more than 1.5 billion face masks entered oceans in 2020, resulting in an additional 4,680 to 6,240 metric tons (about 5,160 to 6,880 U.S. tons) of marine plastic pollution. SKIP AHEAD Face mask pollution and the environment When single-use masks are not disposed of properly, they pose an environmental risk, said Teale Phelps Bondaroff, director of research for OceansAsia. Single-use face masks — both the disposable kind the general public wears and medical-grade surgical masks — are often made with polypropylene plastic. When that plastic breaks up into smaller pieces, it can take as long as 450 years to decompose, Phelps Bondaroff said. And while reusable cloth face masks are a more eco-friendly option, disposable masks are both an acceptable face covering, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and CDC-recommended for double masking. It’s crucial to learn how to properly discard face masks in order to ensure they don’t end up in oceans, lakes and rivers, said Erin Simon, head of plastic waste and business at the World Wildlife Fund. The goal is not to change the disposable mask space as it is a key part of medical safety protocols, Simon highlighted, noting environmental experts more specifically advocate for the proper management of disposable face masks after they’re used. “The challenge is that now the general public is using them and not disposing of them correctly,” Simon said. “In this case, the appropriate choice is the trash or landfill.” We talked to experts about how face mask pollution is harming the environment in the wake of the pandemic, and what we can do to help. We also rounded up a list of eco-friendly reusable face masks from brands like Rothy’s and TenTree.

Eco-friendly face masks

Experts said reusable cloth face masks are a more sustainable option than single-use disposable masks, and some companies further incorporate recycled fabric into their masks, as well as organic materials. The face masks below meet the CDC’s guidance in regards to reusable face coverings and are made with the environment in mind, according to the brands behind them.

Best eco-friendly reusable face masks

TenTree The Protect Mask

The outer layer of TenTree’s double-layered face mask is constructed from hemp and recycled polyester fabric, while the inside lining is made from organic cotton and hemp. Masks are designed with a pocket filter and come in a pack of three. The color and pattern of the washable masks vary across packs, and they come in two sizes: Small/Medium and Large/Extra Large.

United By Blue Salvaged Hemp Face Mask

United By Blue makes Large/Adult, Small/Youth and Kids face masks in packs of two, three and ten. The masks have adjustable ear loops and a filter pocket, and United By Blue also sells filters. Masks are made from a fabric blend including hemp, organic cotton, recycled polyester and Tencel, a type of rayon fabric. Masks are sold in a variety of styles, from Chambray and Coral to Cedar Rose.

Avocado Organic Cotton Face Mask

Avocado face masks are made with two layers of organic cotton and are certified by the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS), a textile processing standard for organic fibres. Masks feature a filter pocket and can be purchased with elastic ear loops or head tie straps. They are sold in packs of four for adults and kids, and come in styles like Sunbeam Yellow, Northern Lights and more.

Rothy’s The Mask

Rothy’s machine-washable masks are made from the brand’s rPET thread, a material derived from single-use plastic water bottles. Masks feature elastic straps and microfiber swatches on the inside for added comfort against the face.They come in a pack of two and are available in colors like Black, Blue and Pink and more. Rothy’s also sells kids masks and a Mask Pack that includes a mask and a pouch you can store your mask in.

EcoMask Filtering Face Mask

When you’re done using EcoMask’s reusable face mask, you can send it back to the brand and it will recycle the mask for you. EcoMask’s face coverings are constructed from post-consumer recycled materials and boast five-layers of filtration. The mask comes in sizes ranging from Extra Small to Extra Large and are available in five colors: Black, Sage, Rose, Royal Blue and Navy Blue.

Synergy Organic Clothing Adult Face Mask

Synergy Organic Clothing’s face masks are made from three layers of GOTS certified organic cotton and feature adjustable ear loops. Masks come in packs of two and are sold in kids and adult sizes. Adult masks are available with screen-printed designs like moons and stars, and some are constructed from deadstock — unsold items — so their exact colors and patterns vary.

Best eco-friendly disposable face masks

VIDA 3-Ply Face Mask

When you purchase VIDA’s disposable face mask, it will arrive with a prepaid label that allows you to send your used masks back to the brand in their original envelope — the brand recycles masks it receives. VIDA’s disposable masks feature an adjustable nose clip and come in a Floral pattern. Masks are sold in packs of 10 to 1,000, and they can be worn under one of the brand’s reusable cotton masks while double masking.

VIDA 3-Ply Face Mask

$12.00

VIDA KN95 Face Mask

As featured in our guide to KN95 masks, VIDA sells KN95 masks that are approved under the Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for KN95 masks. They come in colors like Black, White and Olive, and after using them, you can send them back to the brand to be recycled.

VIDA KN95 Face Mask

$22.50

VID

Face mask pollution and the environment

The pandemic triggered an estimated global use of 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves every month, according to estimates in a 2020 study published in Environmental Science and Technology, a peer-reviewed scientific journal by the American Chemical Society. Simon said the study also estimated that 30 percent more waste would be produced in 2020 compared to 2019. The study states that this increase is in part due to the “increased the use of PPE by the general public” during the pandemic, and thus getting thrown out as municipal solid waste, or everyday trash or garbage. Unfortunately, not everyone disposes of single-use face masks and gloves property. Simon said she’s seen masks and gloves dropped and forgotten about and, if they’re thrown away in an outdoor garbage can without a lid, they can fall out or be blown away by wind. Mark Benfield, a professor at Louisiana State University's department of oceanography and coastal sciences, studies plastic pollution in Louisiana and is now investigating face mask pollution. He said most waste created on land ultimately makes its way into a body of water — the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that “80 percent of pollution to the marine environment comes from the land.” Over dozens of years (or more, depending on the material), that waste breaks down and is absorbed into water and soil, for example. As plastic — which partially comprises disposable face masks — degrades, it releases into the water hundreds to millions of micro plastics, pieces of plastic that are less than 5 millimeters in length, according to NOAA. Benfield, who developed a methodological survey with colleagues to collect data about PPE litter around the world, said micro plastics are especially dangerous because they’re small enough to pass through filters and end up in our drinking water, or get absorbed into the bodies of animals that humans eat, like fish. Marine animals can become tangled in disposable face masks or mistake them for food, Benfield added. Both situations

Why disposable face masks can’t be easily recycled

Simon said traditional local recycling programs tend to only sort “like with like,” meaning they group items that are made from the exact same materials — such as one type of plastic, glass or paper — and then recycle those items together. A disposable face mask, however, is made from different materials that cannot be easily separated. Phelps Bondaroff said single-use face masks usually consist of metal for the nose piece, cotton and elastic for the ear loops and melt-blown polypropylene for the main structure that covers the mouth and nose. According to recycling company TerraCycle and experts we’ve consulted, single-use personal protective equipment like masks and gloves often don’t get recycled through local programs in towns and cities because of the associated cost. However, Phelps Bondaroff noted that companies like TerraCycle have begun to devise strategies and specified programs for recycling disposable face masks. TerraCycle offers a PPE recycling program through which you can collect items like disposable face masks and gloves in a box that’s available to purchase through the company (TerraCycle does not accept reusable face masks or PPE from healthcare facilities). When the box is full, you can send it back to TerraCycle, which then sorts materials and sends them to third-party processing partners that recycle them into usable forms. For example, Terracycle states that “The polypropylene-dominant mixture from the face mask is densified into a crumb-like raw material that’s used in plastic lumber and composite decking applications.”

How to mitigate the impacts of face mask pollution

Phelps Bondaroff said the best way to mitigate the impacts of (and help prevent) face mask pollution is disposing of them correctly and ensuring they do not enter the Earth’s ecosystem. He said it’s important to throw away face masks in garbage cans that have a lid and a garbage bag that will be tied together when it’s removed to keep them from falling out or blowing away. Phelps Bondaroff also mentioned he’s seen posts circulating on social media from environmental and activist organizations recommending we cut the straps of face masks’ ear loops before throwing them away. He said this could help prevent animals from getting tangled in the ear loops, and decrease the chances of them getting stuck on trees and plants. But WWF's Simon noted it’s more important to spend time finding a covered, lined garbage can. “I would argue that in that moment that you're taking to cut the ear loops of your face mask, just put it in the trash,” Simon said.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS OFFERS RECYCLING OF SINGLE-USE MASKS

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The University of Illinois Facilities & Services (F&S) Waste Management department provides campus-wide recycling and waste hauling, with an aim to continuously reduce total the volume of waste being sent to a landfill. The Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) sets a vision of Zero Waste for campus, and the State Waste Reduction Plan provides a five year plan for continuing to reduce total landfill waste. F&S collaborated with TerraCycle this semester to recycle disposable masks across campus. The program is free to university departments and units thanks to Student Sustainability Committee support.

Borough of Saint-Laurent sets up TerraCycle boxes in municipal buildings as part of PPE recycling effort

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Starting on November 10, 2020, residents and employees of the borough of Saint-Laurent will be able to participate in a collective recycling effort by dropping off their personal protective equipment, including single-use masks and gloves, in one of the new TerraCycle boxes that have been set up in municipal buildings.

TerraCycle is an innovative waste management company that recycles products traditionally considered non-recyclable. Once full, the boxes are sent to TerraCycle, which recycles the contents, transforming them into new raw materials, such as plastic granules. These are then used to make new objects, such as pallets or storage boxes or synthetic wood street furniture. This action is in line with the objective of the Sustainable Development Policy adopted in January 2019 to make Saint-Laurent a sustainable and resilient municipal territory. "In the face of the present situation, everyone's health is still our priority. However, we must keep in mind our responsibility to continue our efforts to reduce our ecological footprint," explained Saint-Laurent Mayor Alan DeSousa. "As a result, these items--which are non-biodegradable and are potentially contaminated--mostly end up in landfill sites or—worse yet—in sewers and waterways. I am therefore encouraging employees and residents to dispose off their personal protective equipment at the various drop-off points we have made available to them. This small effort will definitely have a huge impact on the environment."

COVID-19 - Recycling Masks and Gloves in Saint-Laurent

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SAINT-LAURENT, QC , Nov. 10, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting today, Saint-Laurent residents and employees will be able to participate in the collective recycling effort by dropping off their personal protective equipment, including single-use masks and gloves, in one of the new Terracyle boxes that have been set up in municipal buildings. Disposal boxes for masks and disposable gloves have been installed in public buildings in Saint-Laurent. (CNW Group/Ville de Montréal - Arrondissement de Saint-Laurent)

Disposal boxes for masks and disposable gloves have been installed in public buildings in Saint-Laurent. (CNW Group/Ville de Montréal - Arrondissement de Saint-Laurent)

This action is in line with the objective of the Sustainable Development Policy adopted in January 2019 to make Saint-Laurent a sustainable and resilient municipal territory. Quote "In the face of the present situation, everyone's health is still our priority. However, we must keep in mind our responsibility to continue our efforts to reduce our ecological footprint," explained Saint-Laurent Mayor Alan DeSousa . As a result, these items--which are non-biodegradable and are potentially contaminated--mostly end up in landfill sites or—worse yet—in sewers and waterways. I am therefore encouraging employees and residents to dispose off their personal protective equipment at the various drop-off points we have made available to them. This small effort will definitely have a huge impact on the environment." Highlights

Drop-off boxes accessible to the public and to municipal employees can be found at the following locations: Borough Hall, the Bibliothèque du Boisé, the Bibliothèque du Vieux-Saint-Laurent, the Centre des loisirs and the Sports Complex.

Additional boxes have been added at the municipal workshops to meet the specific needs of the employees in the Borough's Direction des travaux publics .

Once full, the boxes are sent to Terracycle, which recycles the contents, transforming them into new raw materials, such as plastic granules. These are then used to make new objects, such as pallets or storage boxes or synthetic wood street furniture.

TerraCycle is an innovative waste management company that recycles products traditionally considered non-recyclable.

According to the United Nations, based on an article published online last July, it is expected that "approximately 75% of the masks and other tools used during the pandemic will end up in landfill sites or float in the oceans" (source: Cinq choses à savoir sur les masques jetables et la pollution plastique ). Saint-Laurent has therefore taken the initiative to find a concrete solution to this real problem—which is likely to continue over the next few months, or even years—and cause irreversible damage to the environment as well as to biodiversity.

About the Borough of Saint-Laurent A city established in 1893, Saint-Laurent became one of Montréal's 19 boroughs in 2002. Its 42.8 square kilometres make this borough the largest in the city of Montréal. Its population of over 100,000 is one of the most multicultural. Having become a "sustainable municipal territory" in 2019, Saint-Laurent places sustainable development, and environment protection, in particular, at the heart of all its decisions—a challenge that is all the greater since more than 70% of its territory is devoted to industrial and commercial activities, with over 4500 companies. It is in fact one of Québec's main industrial and technological centres. Already boasting great accessibility to the main highways and public transit, Saint-Laurent is getting ready to welcome 5 train stations within the new Réseau express métropolitain (REM) light rail network. And last but not least, with its two libraries, its Centre des loisirs (recreation centre), its new Sports Complex, its arena and some 50 parks, Saint-Laurent offers a wide range of services in many fields, such as culture, sports and recreation. In this way, the Borough ensures a high quality of life for families and a stimulating environment for businesses.

Arrondissement de Saint-Laurent (CNW Group/Ville de Montréal - Arrondissement de Saint-Laurent)

SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Arrondissement de Saint-Laurent

COVID-19 - Recycling Masks and Gloves in Saint-Laurent

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This action is in line with the objective of the Sustainable Development Policy adopted in January 2019 to make Saint-Laurent a sustainable and resilient municipal territory. Quote "In the face of the present situation, everyone's health is still our priority. However, we must keep in mind our responsibility to continue our efforts to reduce our ecological footprint," explained Saint-Laurent Mayor Alan DeSousa. As a result, these items--which are non-biodegradable and are potentially contaminated--mostly end up in landfill sites or—worse yet—in sewers and waterways. I am therefore encouraging employees and residents to dispose off their personal protective equipment at the various drop-off points we have made available to them. This small effort will definitely have a huge impact on the environment." Highlights

Drop-off boxes accessible to the public and to municipal employees can be found at the following locations: Borough Hall, the Bibliothèque du Boisé, the Bibliothèque du Vieux-Saint-Laurent, the Centre des loisirs and the Sports Complex.

Additional boxes have been added at the municipal workshops to meet the specific needs of the employees in the Borough's Direction des travaux publics.

Once full, the boxes are sent to Terracycle, which recycles the contents, transforming them into new raw materials, such as plastic granules. These are then used to make new objects, such as pallets or storage boxes or synthetic wood street furniture.

TerraCycle is an innovative waste management company that recycles products traditionally considered non-recyclable.

According to the United Nations, based on an article published online last July, it is expected that "approximately 75% of the masks and other tools used during the pandemic will end up in landfill sites or float in the oceans" (source: Cinq choses à savoir sur les masques jetables et la pollution plastique). Saint-Laurent has therefore taken the initiative to find a concrete solution to this real problem—which is likely to continue over the next few months, or even years—and cause irreversible damage to the environment as well as to biodiversity.

About the Borough of Saint-Laurent A city established in 1893, Saint-Laurent became one of Montréal's 19 boroughs in 2002. Its 42.8 square kilometres make this borough the largest in the city of Montréal. Its population of over 100,000 is one of the most multicultural. Having become a "sustainable municipal territory" in 2019, Saint-Laurent places sustainable development, and environment protection, in particular, at the heart of all its decisions—a challenge that is all the greater since more than 70% of its territory is devoted to industrial and commercial activities, with over 4500 companies. It is in fact one of Québec's main industrial and technological centres. Already boasting great accessibility to the main highways and public transit, Saint-Laurent is getting ready to welcome 5 train stations within the new Réseau express métropolitain (REM) light rail network. And last but not least, with its two libraries, its Centre des loisirs (recreation centre), its new Sports Complex, its arena and some 50 parks, Saint-Laurent offers a wide range of services in many fields, such as culture, sports and recreation. In this way, the Borough ensures a high quality of life for families and a stimulating environment for businesses.

Should You Recycle Your Disposable Mask?

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In March, Seattle was the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the parents of Yooni Kim, a retail worker, were worried about her. They sent her a package of disposable masks, and she began wearing them to work. But that created a new problem for their environmentally conscious daughter: How could she responsibly dispose of the used masks? Soon, she discovered a potential solution: a recycling service, offered by a company called TerraCycle. For $86, TerraCycle would send Kim a small “ZeroWaste” box, roughly the size of a toaster oven, which she could fill with used masks and ship back to the company for recycling. As Kim debated making the purchase, she wondered what happens to recycled masks, and about the environmental impacts of TerraCycle’s process. She figured it had to beat the alternative: millions of used masks piling up in landfills or being burned in incinerators, depending on the local waste company’s practices. “It is an expensive thing to invest in,” she said. “But I was open to paying for it, because if someone wants to dispose of masks responsibly, why not.” Determining what constitutes responsible disposal, however, is not straightforward. And, experts say, a truly sustainable solution would require rethinking manufacturing systems, long before any masks hit the trash or recycling bin. TerraCycle was founded as a worm fertilizer company in 2001. Since then, it has pivoted to recycling items other companies won’t accept, such as pens and markers, plastic wrap and single-use coffee capsules. So far this year, it’s collected and processed 74,000 pounds of disposable masks, gowns and gloves, stationing ZeroWaste boxes at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas and Subaru dealerships, as well as selling them to individual consumers like Kim. To recycle the items, workers first sort through the large piles of used personal protective equipment sent to the TerraCycle headquarters in New Jersey to ensure that the dominant material is the non-woven polypropylene used in most disposable masks. (Metal nose strips from N95 masks, for instance, are removed.) Then, the piles are melted down and shredded into a mulch-like material that can be molded into things like railroad ties and shipping pallets. The resulting plastic is structurally sound, but looks uneven and dull, so selling it doesn’t net TerraCycle much money. That’s why the recycling boxes are expensive: The high price tag offsets what would otherwise be a net loss for the company. The process may not be profitable, but according to TerraCycle, it can help the environment. “By recycling disposable masks, they are kept out of landfills and can be made into new materials and products, reducing the need to extract new materials from the planet,” said Shaye DiPasquale, TerraCycle’s publicist. DiPasquale also noted that bacteria from landfills produce methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. But according to Jonathan Krones, an industrial ecologist at Boston College, the environmental calculus is more complicated than that. Recycling masks doesn’t necessarily reduce demand for freshly made plastic. “Would plastic lumber or fleece have been made in the first place without the recycled plastic material? I’m not convinced,” he said. And while landfills do produce methane emissions, they’re mostly from decomposing food or paper, Krones said, not bacteria on plastics such as disposable masks. Furthermore, transporting and melting down masks during recycling requires significant energy, unlike simply letting them sit in a landfill. Ultimately, it’s impossible to definitively determine whether it’s more environmentally friendly to throw away masks or recycle them through services like TerraCycle’s. If the goal is to reduce environmental impacts, we should be asking questions about mask manufacturing, not recycling, said Krones, because most of the environmental costs come from making masks in the first place. “There’s no good option, because the product is inherently garbage,” he said. In other countries, such as Japan and Germany, manufacturers are required to take back some used products and front a portion of the disposal costs. But no such federal rules currently exist in the US. Still, even if recycling masks isn’t more environmentally beneficial than just tossing them, TerraCycle’s work helps remind consumers and companies that trash doesn’t disappear after it’s thrown out. Simply offering a service that requires consumers to mail in items by type illuminates the fact that not everything is easily recyclable, and that precious time and energy are required to properly sort recyclable pieces. And, Krones said, TerraCycle’s service has the power to get more people interested in learning about recycling and disposal systems. Kim learned how difficult it can be to properly recycle everyday items, and she has since become more interested in ways to create systemic change. “We’re all doing the best we can, and ultimately, the biggest changes will have to come from corporations reducing waste,” she said. As for purchasing a TerraCycle box, she’s trying to mobilize her neighbors to buy one together, so the high cost will be shared. “If I can find people who want to split a $90 box, then I’m sure we can pack it really tight,” she said.