Analysis of solid waste management during the COVID-19 pandemic in ISWA's associated countries

ABSTRACT

Waste management is essential in preventing diseases such as COVID-19, but its continuity requires contingency measures to ensure the safety of workers and the population. In this context, this work aimed to identify and evaluate changes and guidelines in waste sectors during the pandemic in the world. The method consisted of documentary research, analysing the data published by the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) and its members in 2020. The results show that the majority's focus was continuity of operations and worker safety and that there was variation between stoppage and continuation of the collection and sorting of recyclables. The most adopted procedure for masks and other possible contaminated waste was the collection of them with common residues, and there were no changes in the management in health units. In summary, the pandemic required adaptations of the waste sectors, which varied from one country to another and did not always follow the ISWA recommendations.