Civic leader calls for masks to be disposed of properly amid growing concerns over litter
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Caithness civic leader Willie Mackay is urging people to make sure they discard unwanted masks in a responsible manner rather than allow them to litter the streets.
He believes that in some cases masks are ending up on the pavements by accident – but warns that deliberately throwing them away is potentially dangerous to public health as well as being unsightly.
Councillor Mackay, who represents Wick and East Caithness on Highland Council, was speaking after being shown some photos taken by this newspaper over a short period at the weekend. In Wick town centre and a couple of nearby residential streets at least eight masks – all of the disposable or single-use type – were in plain sight on the ground.
It comes against the backdrop of a new information campaign by the Scottish Government and Zero Waste Scotland to highlight reusable coverings as the preferred option to keep streets and other public areas clean, reduce waste and maintain public health.
Masks are increasingly being worn as protection against the spread of Covid-19, in line with government guidance, but concerns are growing over the way many are apparently being carelessly discarded rather than disposed of properly.
"It is disappointing to find disposable face masks littering our streets," Councillor Mackay said.
"I'm convinced that some of them have landed on the ground unknown to the user, who would have been casually placing it back in their pocket or bag. On many occasions I have come across constituents who are uncomfortable wearing masks in shops and as soon as they are outside they will remark how glad they are to get out after feeling uncomfortable in a mask.
"However, indiscriminately throwing disposable used masks on the ground is dangerous, it's an offence, and it should be discouraged for health and environmental reasons, let alone causing an unsightly litter problem. There is no reason why they should not be disposed of properly and safely."
Councillor Mackay added: "I personally have two doubled-layered reusable home-made cloth masks which are comfortable and easy to wear, and most importantly they are washed thoroughly and regularly.
"We cannot have disposable face masks littering our streets, so the message I'm sending out is to be vigilant, be careful, and stay safe at all times. Take care of your face masks and they will take care of you."
It is mandatory in Scotland to wear face coverings in some indoor places, including shops, and on public transport. However, Zero Waste Scotland is warning that the widespread use of these, particularly with many people opting for single-use options, has led to a spike in litter around the country.
The organisation's chief executive, Iain Gulland, said: “At a time when we are trying to protect our health, we can also protect the environment. Littered face coverings are a needless recent blight on our streets and it’s a criminal offence to drop them.
“Having a face covering that can be used time and again uses fewer materials and is less likely to be discarded so easily. At a time when we are trying to protect our health, we can also protect the environment."
Disposable face coverings are different from masks worn by healthcare professionals. Disposable or single-use face coverings and gloves cannot be recycled and should be placed in a general waste bin after use.
Details on how to make a reusable face covering can be found on the Scottish Government’s YouTube channel .
