The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in our daily lives, from remote work and social distancing to a surge in the use of disposable masks. While these masks have played a vital role in protecting public health, their environmental consequences are becoming impossible to overlook. Canada, with its sprawling landscapes and strong environmentalist culture, faces a mounting challenge as millions of these masks end up in landfills—or worse, in waterways and other ecosystems.
This blog explores the environmental impact of disposable masks in Canada, examines their life cycle, and proposes sustainable alternatives and actions we can take. If you’re an eco-conscious consumer, public health advocate, or concerned environmentalist, read on to discover how we can collectively mitigate this growing problem.
Why Disposable Masks Are an Environmental Concern
Disposable masks, such as surgical masks, consist of layers of polypropylene plastic fibers. While they’re incredibly effective as a barrier against viruses, they aren’t biodegradable or recyclable through most municipal systems. The environmental impact begins with their production and extends to their improper disposal.
Canada alone disposed of an estimated 1.5 billion masks in 2020, according to the University of Southern Denmark and Princeton University researchers. With each mask weighing around 3 to 4 grams, that’s a staggering 5,500 tons of plastic waste added to our systems in just one year.
Microplastics and Ecosystem Disruption
When disposable masks are discarded improperly, they often enter natural ecosystems. Over time, they break down into microplastics—tiny plastic particles that can contaminate soil, rivers, and oceans. These microplastics are ingested by marine and terrestrial animals, disrupting food chains and potentially making their way back to humans when we consume seafood.
Researchers from the Ocean Conservancy Canada Project underscore that masks are now among the most commonly found plastic waste items on beaches, rivers, and urban areas. The long-term consequences of this pollution are still unfolding but appear to exacerbate Canada’s pressing ecological issues.
Climate Impact from Production
Beyond their waste footprint, disposable masks also hold a carbon shadow due to their production. Manufacturing billions of masks requires vast amounts of energy, often derived from fossil fuels. The extraction of petroleum to create polypropylene adds yet another layer of environmental cost.
Canada’s Disposal Problem
Even diligent mask disposal presents problems because most municipalities across Canada are not equipped to recycle personal protective equipment (PPE). Masks discarded in trash bins are sent to landfills, where they can take up to 450 years to decompose.
Additionally, many Canadians mistakenly discard masks in recycling bins, causing contamination of recyclable materials. This forces waste management facilities to divert recyclable waste to landfills—further compounding the problem.
Case Study: Ontario
Take Ontario as an example. Provinces like Ontario—already grappling with overflowing waste facilities—saw municipal landfill contributions spike dramatically during the pandemic. Disposable masks were cited by the Ontario Waste Management Association as a key contributor to the surge, alongside single-use gloves and sanitizer containers.
What Can Eco-Conscious Canadians Do?
Addressing the disposable mask problem doesn’t mean compromising public health—it means making thoughtful choices and pushing for systemic changes. Here are some actionable steps consumers and advocates can take today.
Choose Reusable Masks
Cloth Masks
Switching to reusable cloth masks is the simplest and most effective way to curb disposable mask waste. Opt for masks made from natural fibers like cotton, which are breathable and environmentally friendly. Reusable masks can also be stylish while offering similar protection levels for non-medical settings.
Maintenance Tip
Wash reusable masks after every use with warm water and detergent. Air-drying instead of machine drying reduces energy consumption.
Disposal Guidelines
When using disposable masks for exceptional circumstances, such as travel or healthcare settings, proper disposal is paramount:
- Cut the Ear Loops: Prevent animals from becoming entangled in discarded masks.
- Dispose in General Trash: Do not throw disposable masks in recycling bins.
- Store Temporarily in a Bag before throwing out if outdoors—this prevents them from blowing away and ending up as litter.
Support Recycling Initiatives
Several Canadian organizations and companies have launched programs aimed at reducing PPE waste:
- Terracycle introduced a disposable mask recycling program, where you can ship used masks to be processed into reusable materials.
- Local groups across provinces such as British Columbia are developing partnerships to collect and repurpose PPE waste. Supporting these initiatives, through volunteering or donations, can scale their impact.
Engage with Policy Advocates
On a broader level:
- Call for government mandates on biodegradable masks.
- Push for corporate responsibility policies, requiring large manufacturers and retailers to manage mask disposal sustainably.
- Leverage citizen voices through petitions, letters to MPs, or participation in public forums focusing on waste management.
Innovations in Sustainable Masks
Innovation is offering hope of mitigating this environmental crisis. Bio-material engineers at Canadian universities are working on biodegradable, high-performance masks made from materials like plant-based polymers or hemp fibers.
For example, researchers at the University of British Columbia have successfully produced prototypes of masks that degrade within months, rather than centuries. While still in early development, these innovations could shape the future of sustainable personal protective equipment.
What the Future Holds
Like the broader push against single-use plastics in Canada, tackling the disposable mask crisis requires collective effort. Initiatives such as the federal government’s ban on single-use plastic bags, straws, and cutlery, implemented in 2022, show that policy can drive impactful change. Including disposable masks in the next round of single-use plastic bans would make a significant difference.
Additionally, fostering public awareness about the ecological impacts of mask disposal will empower individuals to make informed choices, reducing the burden on municipal waste systems. The pandemic showed us that collective action can save lives. That same collective action can protect our ecosystems.
A Greener Mask Solution is Within Reach
The rapid introduction of disposable masks may have been a necessary public health measure—but long-term environmental challenges demand actionable solutions now. For Canadian eco-conscious consumers and public health advocates, the path forward is clear:
- Choose reusable options when possible.
- Dispose of disposable masks thoughtfully.
- Advocate for sustainable policies and solutions.
Together, we can address this growing problem while protecting future generations and the stunning natural landscapes that define Canada.
