Used Face Masks are hazardous waste (15 02 02)

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Directive 75/442/EEC of 15 July1975 on waste (1), as amended by Directive 91/156/EEC (2),and in particular Article 1(a) thereof, Having regard to Council Directive 91/689/EEC of 12 December 1991 on hazardous waste (3), and in particular Article 1(4), second indent thereof, laid down in Decision 94/3/EC and that of hazardous
wastes laid down in Decision 94/904/EC.

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, every producer of waste is under a duty to ensure safe handling and disposal of the waste. This duty of care continues throughout the chain and includes all intermediaries from producer until final disposal. If any part of the disposal chain fails, the initial waste producer can be considered to have failed in their duty of care.

The definition of ‘household waste’ under The Controlled Waste Regulations 1992 includes waste medical materials from a patient’s own home.

If you transport waste medical masks you will need a licence. The cost of a licence in June 2005 was £136 and this may be obtained from the Environment Agency.

Alternatively, don't bother using a face mask.