A New Challenge for the Management and Disposal of Personal Protective Equipment Waste during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Zheng Wang,Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng,Chunjiang An,Christophe Guy

doi:10.3390/su13137034

Zheng Wang, Kelvin Tsun Wai Ng + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137034

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Journal: Sustainability	Publication Date: Jun 23, 2021
Citations: 24	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Concordia University, University of Regina

Abstract

To prevent the transmission of the Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in the public, the demand and consumption of personal protective equipment (PPE) increased drastically. Such wide use of PPE has brough a new challenge to waste management and disposal. It is difficult to sort PPE waste before further treatment, and such waste will often end up being processed by some traditional disposal methods. During the pandemic, incineration and landfill facilities are currently under significant pressure. In addition, a certain amount of PPE waste is discarded into the environment rather than going to landfills and incinerators. It not only directly affects the ecosystem, but also indirectly threatens human health through various routes of exposure. PPE waste is also the source and carrier of pathogens and chemical contaminants, causing a secondary pollution. Therefore, it is necessary to establish appropriate strategies to deal with the PPE problems related to energy, environment and health, requiring the collaborative efforts of researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and governments.

Highlights

protective equipment (PPE) has brough a new challenge to waste management and disposal
Unlike regular medical waste generated from clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes, PPE waste generated during COVID is often mixed with other municipal waste streams
Much of PPE waste is generated in the urban area, this waste is found waste in theisoceans through runoff, new risk discarded into the surface environment ratherplacing than going to environmental landfills and incinerators to oceans

Summary

Introduction

PPE has brough a new challenge to waste management and disposal. It is difficult to sort PPE waste before further treatment, and such waste will often end up being processed by some traditional disposal methods. Incinerators and landfills are currently under significant pressure, despite the deployment of ancillary and additional treatment facilities in some countries.

Results

Conclusion