Facemasks discarded like litter; what’s the public health advice about disposal? – Yorkshire Post Letters

WE are part of a team who regularly organise litter collections in the Dinnington area.

Not surprisingly, as Andrew Vine relates (The Yorkshire Post, August 29), we, too, have found many discarded blue masks.

Yes, it is a huge problem. My point is that no one has told us how to dispose of them.

Do they go into our dustbin at home (double wrapped) or just in any waste bin we pass?

Schools are returning. Are there any instructions for caretakers in schools and other places of work as they gather up discarded masks? For how long will they remain a potential hazard? I agree with all Andrew Vine says, but for the many people who do act responsibly, what do we do with our masks once they have served their purpose?

From: Andrew Mercer, Guiseley.

ON my walk around Guiseley, I came across four discarded face masks.

Normally I’d pick litter up and put it in the nearest bin. Now I’m uncertain because of a very small health risk.

What is the public health advice?

What I do know is that litter cannot be ignored or it just gets worse.

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Thank you

James Mitchinson