I don't know about where you live, but in my area garbage from cans or bags are taken to landfills and dumped - the bags are ripped open to help with decomposition. Items put in garbage - cans, bags, etc. - such as these masks, as well as many other items, need to be 'prepped' for exposure to animals/birds who will inevitably hunt for food sources in landfills.and use a garbage can please.