Recycling: Toward a solution for disposable masks

A Quebec company decided to propose a solution to divert the astronomical amount of disposable procedural masks that could end up in a landfill.

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To mark Earth Day, Quebec’s JWG is launching the Valorise ton masque, a full-service program, from delivery of a recovery fund to recycling used equipment.

The company wants to set up a program that is more oriented towards full mask recycling. Collection points may appear.

Alarming situation

A year into the pandemic, disposable masks have become one of the environmental issues of greatest concern. In many schools, for example, students have to change a single-use mask three times during the same day. The amount of waste is very high everywhere.

The Government of Canada estimates that 63,000 tons of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) will eventually go to the landfill.

A year ago the question was not asked. This is a new problem and we wanted to take action, ”explains Jeremy Gagnon, President of JWG.

A major player in the supply of medical equipment, JWG wants to complete its cycle of operations, from import to recovery.

The program will then aim to convert disposable masks into clean energy. Energy recovery will be an accessible solution in the near future.

Green and sustainable

All materials will be incinerated and converted into electricity for homes and businesses in the United States by world-leading global company Covanta Solutions.

“We want it to be as green as possible. We have to offer options and extend a helping hand,” adds Mr. Gagnon.

Finally, JWG is also committed to planting a tree for every collection box ordered. Billions of disposable masks are produced every year.

In the west of the country alone, residents of Greater Vancouver have tossed 109 million masks, 48 ​​million handkerchiefs and 371 million gloves, according to a report presented last March. More than 1.5 billion disposable masks will end up in the world’s oceans this year, according to a nongovernmental organization.

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