You can now recycle disposable masks at some Wilko stores in dedicated bins, where they are then taken by a recycling company and repurposed for building materials. You should never put disposable masks in the household recycling bin. There are some companies claiming to make recyclable face masks, but we found this is only possible via specialist recycling services. They aren't currently recyclable via normal routes.
Environmental costĮnvironmental groups have raised concerns about the impact that single-use face masks, which are made of plastic, is having on the environment. Higher-grade respirators, like FFP2 masks, are designed to also filter finer aerosols coming in - so they offer a higher level of protection.Īll disposable surgical masks must conform to certain minimum filtration standards, which reusable versions do not (although a voluntary minimum performance agreement is in place), so there's a bit more certainty about what you're getting when buying a disposable version.īut our face mask tests uncovered some reusable face masks that filter as much as disposable ones – see which reusable face coverings are best for filtration.
Their main purpose is to protect others from your exhalations if you're asymptomatic, but they do also provide rudimentary protection. They provide basic protection against large droplets and splashes which are considered to be a key route of transmission, but not smaller particles. Single-use disposable surgical-style masks (the pleated blue ones) work to the same basic principles as a homemade version. Disposable vs reusable face masks Filtration See our face mask reviews for the lowdown on the best semi-reusable masks. We checked and some can also be recycled via disposable mask recycling drop-boxes. We've tested a couple of these and found that while some - like the Airpop Pocket - can filter as well as or better than disposable masks, others aren't quite up to the job.Ī good one can be a smart choice for higher-risk situations like commuting or travelling, while not creating as much waste as a single-use product. These are masks that are made from similar materials to disposable masks, but can be worn and washed a set number of times before you need to replace them. Type IIR bacteria filtering > 98%, blocks exhalation of larger respiratory droplets and is splash resistant.Type II bacteria filtering > 98%, blocks exhalation of larger respiratory droplets.Type I bacteria filtering > 95%, blocks exhalation of larger respiratory droplets.They come in three different levels of filtration: They tend to be blue, rectangular and pleated, with elastic ear straps and a nose wire. Surgical or medical face masks are single-use disposable products, usually sold in boxes of 50 or more, but they can also be found in smaller packs these days in high street stores and pharmacies. However, like reusable face coverings, they do help to capture droplets exhaled by you when coughing, sneezing or talking, helping to limit the spread of viral particles. These disposable masks can filter large droplets produced by someone coughing or talking loudly near you, and have a moisture repellent outer layer, but they are less able to filter the tiny aerosol particles that also potentially carry the virus, as they don't fit tightly to the face. Disposable face mask types explained Surgical/medical masks
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Our tests show that these can provide highly effective filtration too, so check our face mask reviews for the best options.įor more advice on reusable face covering types, see how to buy the best reusable face mask. It's worth bearing in mind that, as a limited-use plastic product, disposable masks aren't exactly a eco-friendly product (though there are some places you can recycle them, and there's now evidence to suggest that you can reuse some disposables - see more below) and the costs of buying them regularly can add up over time.įor now, UK government advice still encourages the use of reusable fabric face coverings for general use. Our guide below explains the pros and cons and different types to help you decide.
It may be that in certain circumstances, you decide to opt for a disposable. The World Health Organization (WHO) says this type of mask should be worn if you're sick with suspected Covid to protect those around you (although, if this is the case you should also be self-isolating), or considered by vulnerable people and people over the age of 60 in areas where community transmission is high.
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