Face mask and medical waste generation in the City of Baguio, Philippines: its current management and GHG footprint

Abstract

The daily use of facemask to prevent virus transmission increases the negative effect on the environment because of improper waste disposal. Due to the absence of baseline data, the impact of facemask and medical waste generation, as well as the community’s management practice, should be studied to avoid further environmental degradation. In this study, we surveyed 384 respondents and conducted computational analysis to provide an overview of the household’s facemask usage and ecological footprint in combating Covid-19. Results showed that most respondents (48.7%) use two facemasks per day. Thus, an estimated 417,834 facemasks are disposed daily, generating 3,585 kg/day of additional waste. The average medical waste of Covid-infected individuals is 3.29 kg per day per capita. This yields 22,438 kg. of CO 2 eq., which could contribute to the global warming potential; however, there is also a potential recovery of 61.572 gigajoules of energy for power generation. Most respondents are aware of proper facemask waste management practices, but some lacks application regarding responsible waste disposal. Despite the contribution of facemask to the overall solid waste generation, the city’s current management remains a challenge since disposable facemasks are potentially mixed with other types of waste from its storage, collection, and disposal. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10163-023-01601-2.

Domestic Facemask Waste Policy Based on Environmental Ethics in the Covid-19 Pandemic: Urgency and Challenges

“…The average medical waste of Covid-infected individuals was 3.29 kg per day per capita. 8 The increase in facemask waste was in essence due to the change of the people’s demand for facemasks. Instead of the continuing policy of fighting unknown viruses during the pandemic, it shifted to preventing known threats, controlling the spread of the pandemic, and meeting people’s daily needs.…”

“… 6 Similar conditions were found around Asia, including in the Philippines, Bangladesh, and India. 7 , 8 …”

“…6 Similar conditions were found around Asia, including in the Philippines, Bangladesh, and India. 7,8 Not stopping at the quantitative aspect, domestic facemasks may also potentially be an infectious waste. The domestic facemask waste is in a grey zone -it is between medical and domestic waste.…”