It is nearly 10 months since the Rwandan government first ordered members of the general public to wear facemasks as part of efforts to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.

In response to sudden demand for facemasks and other Covid-19 personal protective equipment, in April last year, authorities approved several companies to start manufacturing the materials. The firms were initially expected to produce some 600,000 facemasks every day.

The mask has since become omnipresent across Rwanda with everyone, adults and young ones alike, urged to wear face coverings whenever they are out in public and to change them quite regularly.

And with prices increasingly becoming more affordable more people are now able to change masks more regularly, whether they are using single-use or reusable ones.

But, while all efforts were geared toward stopping the virus, the same tools employed in the fight, particularly facemasks, were wreaking havoc on the environment.

Used disposable facemasks are hazardous to the environment – and even humans – in the short-term, as well as medium and long-term. To begin with, improper disposal of these masks, like littering them, can potentially spread the same virus they were originally meant to help contain (through contact with children or waste pickers). In the medium and long-term, these materials are hazardous to animals, and humans, as they eventually reduce into small plastic particles.

Now, Rwanda’s commitment to a clean and green environment, and sustainable development is legendary. From banning plastic bags and single-use plastics to taking concrete steps toward reducing its carbon footprint, the country is a leader in matters environmental conservation.

Notably, these achievements have been registered with the active participation of citizens. Similarly, the role of ordinary citizens in pushing back against the threat that face masks pose to the environment will be indispensable. 

Nonetheless, it is critical that authorities and environmental watchdogs urgently take the lead in educating the public on proper disposal of facemasks and other PPEs that are in the hands of the public.

We welcome plans to start incinerating these materials but few people are aware of how best to handle and dispose of waste masks, gloves, face shields and other PPEs, which calls for strong public awareness campaigns on the matter. Many households and institutions hardly treat these materials differently from ordinary trash and mix them all in garbage bags. In addition, garbage collectors need to be trained on how to thoroughly and safely sort these materials and ensure proper disposal and incineration.