COVID-19 and municipal solid waste (MSW) management: a review
Category:- Journal; Year:- 2021
Discipline:- Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering Discipline
School:- Life Science School
Abstract
Municipal solid waste (MSW) represents an
inevitable by-product of human activity and a major crisis for communities
across the globe. In recent times, the recycling of MSW has drawn attention as
the process can add value through resources from the recovered waste materials
and facilitates the process of circular economy. However, during the
unprecedented coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the risk of infection with the
highly contagious virus has proven detrimental to the continuation of MSW as a
valuable resource. The volume of waste, especially household waste, is higher;
face masks, PPE (personal protective equipment), and hazardous materials such as
batteries and empty chlorine bottles are examples of extra waste that have
arisen during the pandemic. Various countries have set up initiatives for MSW
management, including safety measurements for employees in the MSW management
sector. The use of disinfectant prior to sorting waste, as well as storing
waste for 9 days, may help to inactivate the COVID-19 virus, ensuring an
appropriate safety level for MSW management. This work aimed at studying
different MSW management strategies, specific challenges, and possible
solutions for better understanding for those involved in waste management, in
addition to providing a possible management strategy during and post-COVID-19
pandemic.