Yes, welcome to our next global problem—face mask pollution!

For the past months, the mandatory wearing of a face mask has been implemented all over the world as a general protocol to fight the spread of COVID-19. As millions of people demanded to wear it every day, its waste volume

Some environmental and animal welfare groups have been raising awareness about this particular issue. We all must be aware of how to properly dispose of our face masks because simply putting it in the trash can is not enough.

On Instagram, the SaveTheReef account, a project of Karmagawa dedicated to saving the world’s oceans and marine life through a number of initiatives, has posted series of photos about an ‘urgent issue right now’ which is the improper disposal of face masks.

“Please make sure you cut the straps and dispose of your masks properly because sadly our wildlife and environment are suffering due to this new form of pollution,” the caption reads.

The organization pointed out that seeing masks littering on our beaches, oceans, and rivers is absolutely heartbreaking, especially when they see birds, animals, and marine life getting tangled in them.

Some reports last April in an article published by The Independent, a British Columbia resident has found a bird suffocated by a face mask wrapped under its beak and wing.

See some photos below:

To properly dispose of your face mask, just follow these 3 easy steps:

• Cut. Make sure to cut the ear straps of the mask and the mask itself to avoid its reuse.
• Segregate. Better if you have a separate trash bin at home for used face masks.
• Disinfect. You may use a bleach solution or sodium hypochlorite solution at home to disinfect the used mask and its trash bin. Don’t forget to also wash your hands and sanitize after disposal.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), used face masks, gloves, face shields, tissues, and other items that may carry the virus must be separated from other trash at home and in offices right away to avoid health risks to our hardworking garbage collectors.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) has warned everyone about a new modus operandi about ‘recycling of face masks’ after being thrown out in the garbage.

These recycled masks are being sold in markets for a lower price to surely entice buyers. This suspected case was reported in ABS-CBN News when a customer shared his story about the mask he bought, the consumer immediately spot its difference from the new one—it has an unusual texture, uneven linings, and faded color.

This kind of unsanitary and dangerous modus can really worsen the situation, we all should be vigilant all the time to keep ourselves safe.

Single-use face masks can pollute bodies of water and threaten the lives of animals, so if you are done wearing your face mask, you now know the drill!