A programme will be formulated with a series of guidelines for the proper disposal of face masks used to protect against Covid-19, the Environment Ministry said.

Tons of face masks used to provide protection against Covid pandemic are disposed of informally into the environment on a daily basis. As a result, urban canals and drainage systems become clogged, and they contaminate water sources, polluting water and causing harm to marine life.

Therefore, the Consultative Committee Chairman, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera instructed the Ministry Secretary, Dr. Anil Jasinghe to explain the directive prepared by the Ministry.

Dr. Jasinghe said the Environment Ministry and the Health Ministry have taken steps to formulate a series of guidelines in this regard and the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has taken steps to implement such activities. The implementation of this series of guidelines will be done by the local authorities.

"These disposable masks are collected by the local authorities along with solid waste. But these face masks contain pieces of plastic that are likely to take a long time to perish. It was discussed that it would be appropriate for the respective local bodies to set a convenient date for the collection of face masks and collect them separately, " Dr. Jasinghe said.

Currently, the CEA has issued a circular directing the removal of the two ear-mounted straps and the disposal of all face masks after washing and drying.

According to the new basic guidelines prepared jointly by the Environment Ministry and the Health Ministry, the mask disposal programme will be formalized, he said. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)