A proposed measure on the proper disposal of the single-use face masks is up for discussion by the Davao City Councilā€™s Committee on Health after it passed the first reading on Thursday.

Councilor Mary Joselle Villafuerte, the Chairperson of the Committee on Health, that the proposed ordinance will define the proper disposal of single-use masks that contain synthetic fibers.

Villafuerte said materials with synthetic fibers do decay, thus, leaving damage to the environment.

ā€œIt should be sprayed with disinfectant and cut in half before disposal,ā€ she said during the Katikaran sa Konseho program aired over the Davao City Disaster Radio.

She also said that the masks should be disposed of separately from the regular wastes to protect garbage pickers.

Environmental groups have also joined discussion during the committee hearings about the proposed ordinance to suggest ways of properly disposing of single-use face masks.

Under the proposed law, the Committee on Health is planning to include the imposition of penalties to violators. CIO