Disposable face masks could cost Lincolnshire over £144m a year

The influx of disposable face masks could generate over 750 tonnes of plastic waste and cost almost £150 million a year, according to a recent report.

Research from money.co.uk looked at the financial and environmental effect of using disposable face masks rather than reusable ones.

Scientists at University College London found that if every person in Lincolnshire used a disposable mask each day, it would collectively cost £144,480,315 and create 761 tonnes of waste in one year.

The study stated that wearing a reusable mask would cost just £4 a year per person, a huge annual saving compared to using a disposable face mask.

The findings used population data from the Office for National Statistics. Face mask costs were estimated from seven different retailers, while lifetime calculations are based upon the average UK life expectancy of 81 years.

Further research showed the benefits of each person going plastic-free, both economically and in terms of combating climate change.

How much money the average person could save by going plastic-free. Graphic: Money.co.uk