The COVID-19 pandemic has affected not only human health and economies but also the environment due to the large volume of waste in the form of discarded personal protective equipment. The remarkable increase in the global usage of face masks, which mainly contain polypropylene, and improper waste management have led to a serious environmental challenge called microplastic pollution. Potential practices for waste management related to waste valorization of discarded face masks as the major type of waste during the COVID-19 pandemic are explored in this study. Recommendations based on governmental practices, situation of state facilities, and societal awareness and engagement applicable to emergency (including COVID-19 pandemic) and postpandemic scenarios are offered while considering potential solutions and available waste management practices in different countries during emergency conditions. However, multicriteria decision making for a country must determine the optimal solution for waste management on the basis of all affecting factors. Awareness of scientific, governments, and communities worldwide will successfully eradicate this important environmental issue.

由于废弃个人防护设备产生大量废物，COVID-19 大流行不仅影响了人类健康和经济，还影响了环境。全球主要成分为聚丙烯的口罩使用量显着增加，加上废物管理不当，导致了被称为微塑料污染的严重环境挑战。本研究探讨了与废弃口罩的废物价值相关的废物管理的潜在做法，废弃口罩是 COVID-19 大流行期间的主要废物类型。提出了基于政府实践、国家设施情况以及适用于紧急情况（包括 COVID-19 大流行）和大流行后情景的社会意识和参与的建议，同时考虑了不同国家在紧急情况下的潜在解决方案和可用的废物管理实践。然而，一个国家的多标准决策必须在所有影响因素的基础上确定废物管理的最佳解决方案。全世界科学界、政府和社区的认识将成功消除这一重要的环境问题。