Mandatory in all public places, mask protection is now essential in our daily life. If it is useful in protecting us from disease, it is also a new pollutant. Thrown on sidewalks, masks and gloves end up in sewer systems and end up in waterways like the St. Lawrence River. These materials can also be ingested by birds or by aquatic wildlife. These incivilities are also a public health problem, while citizens and cleaners are endangered for collecting them. Therefore, it is important to deposit this waste in the appropriate places. 

      According to Recyc-québec, “paper tissue, gloves, face masks, disposable wipes and other cleaning products and protection equipment that are used and potentially contaminated must be placed in a sealed bag, in a sealed waste container (garbage). These materials should not be placed in recycling or organic collection bins or in toilets.’’.

      More generally, the Covid-19 situation should not be seen as an occasion to pick up old bad habits. According to WHO (World Health Organization), washing hands is more effective than wearing gloves. Plastic bags are not environmentally friendly, unlike reusable fabric bags. Also, prefer reusable mask but wash them thoroughly after each use!