Face Masks Put in Garbage/Landfill Disposable masks belong in the garbage. Please bag first. Reusable/cloth masks also belong in the garbage but why not reuse the fabric? It could be used to make a handkerchief or kitchen rag. Did You Know? The Most Eco-Friendly Mask With masks piling up in parking lots, on beaches and in the ocean, which kind is the most eco-friendly choice? According to the University College of London, reusable masks are the most eco-friendly, but only if you skip the disposable filter and machine wash them — hand washing masks uses excessive soap and water.