Petition · past parliament · Department of Health and Social Care
Ban the sale of disposable face masks to the general public
Closed
141 signatures
What the petition asks
Make the sale and use of disposable masks to and for front line services only.
Disposable masks are being widely used and disposed of irresponsibly. Cheap versions in small quantities are being sold making them an attractive option for the public. However they contain plastics, are non biodegradable and are causing suffering and death to wildlife. They are being found littering the streets, beaches and in the sea. They should be treated as hazardous waste just like any other medical waste.
They contain polypropeline .
Wildlife is suffering - getting trapped in strings.
news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-disposable-face-masks-creating-new-plastic-pollution-crisis-experts-warn-12045350
They contain polypropeline .
Wildlife is suffering - getting trapped in strings.
news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-disposable-face-masks-creating-new-plastic-pollution-crisis-experts-warn-12045350
Timeline
| 4 Sep 2020 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 4 Mar 2021 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
141
Status
Closed
Department
Department of Health and Social Care
Opened
4 Sep 2020
Closed
4 Mar 2021
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.