National Center for Biotechnology Information (masks could emit microplastic fibres into environment)

NCBI:

“…The increase in production and consumption of face mask across the world has given rise to a new environmental challenge, adding to the vast plastic and plastic particle waste in the environment. Some of these materials are getting into waterways from where they reach the freshwater and marine environment adding to the presence of plastics in the aquatic medium. “

“…Single-use polymeric materials have been identified as a significant source of plastics and plastic particle pollution in the environment (Schnurr et al., 2018). For instance, plastic packaging materials, drinking bottles, and fast food containers are leading sources of microplastics pollution globally.”

“…The environmental implication of plastics and plastic particles pollution have been enumerated and demonstrated by erudite scholars in various literature (Browne et al., 2008; Cole et al., 2014; Galloway et al., 2017; Rist et al., 2018; Wright et al., 2013). Some of these adverse consequences include threat to aquatic lives, which constitute a major part of the food web and support to human existence. Plastic particles are getting into foods meant for human consumption, raising a concern on global food safety.”

In short, we’re damaging the environment for little benefit. The answer isn’t ‘better disposal’ because that’s impossible given it’s a bio-hazard. To do so in a community setting is ambitious and unnecessary. The answer is to simply stop using them.