During the first week of January, the US hit COVID rates that were more than twice the case count seen anywhere else in the world at any time since the pandemic began. 

As the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant continues to spread, some healthcare experts recommend trading in cloth masks (which filtrate 70% or less of microns) for masks with stronger filtration systems.

The Problem: Current options with better filtration systems are a mix of paper and polymers that are not suitable for household recycling. More than 40 studies now document the environmental toll of these masks

• Billions of disposable face masks have entered the ocean

• These masks will release environmental microplastics for decades

The Solution(s): You could spend hours researching how to protect yourself while not harming others or the environment. We have done that work for you!

• Reusable masks: While the R&D to create a medical-grade, truly reusable mask is still underway, there are masks on the market such as Sonovia that claim to provide 95%+ filtration for 50+ washings. Bottom line: Potential increased filtration while reducing mask volume, mask recycling (see below) is needed to mitigate environmental harm.

• N95 Masks: The CDC cautions the public to continue to prioritize surgical and N95 face masks for health care professionals. However, many people have purchased these already at their local hardware store because they are one of the most effective masks available. The American College of Osteopathic Internists has published guidelines for reusing these masks. Bottom line: Attractive, but could impact supplies available to healthcare workers.

• KN95 Masks: Both KN95 masks and N95 masks are designed to filter 95% of particles entering the mask. The main difference is that N95s meet the standards for approval in American healthcare settings and KN95s have not been evaluated because they are produced outside of the US. The bigger difference is that we could not find any medical guidance on sterilizing and reusing KN95s. Bottom line: Increased protection, mask recycling needed to mitigate environmental harm (see below).

• Recycling Masks (US Residents):

  •  Vida produces FDA listed KN95 masks with 95-99%+ efficiency. Buyers receive a prepaid label to return used masks for recycling. The masks are manufactured in an FDA registered facility. Cost: 10 masks for $25.
    

  • Ecomask: produces a 5-layer reusable mask with 98% particle efficiency made of recycled products. Masks can be returned to the company for recycling. The factory operates on 100% renewable energy and verifies all workers are paid fair living wages. The factory is also ISO 14001 and IATF certified. Cost: $29 per mask.

  • Terracycle: Offers a 10X10X18 Zero Waste box for $121 to recycle 3-ply surgical, dust masks, KN95, and N95 masks. Terracycle will not accept paper or cloth masks. Cost: Dependent on the size of the mask.

• Recycling Masks (UK Residents):

  • Wilkco Stores (UK Only) offer a free dropbox for used disposable masks. Cost: $0.

  • Reworked: (UK Only) through reworks #ReclaimTheMask program drop boxes can be purchased for a fee. Rework recycles the masks into furniture and building materials. Cost: contact Reworked.