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.Graphical abstract
Highlights
The constant ecological and environmental degradation has necessitated the transfer of global economic growth to green growth for sustainable development (Abu Hajar et al 2020; Bina 2013; Luukkanen et al 2019; Wanner 2015)
As per WHO guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic, waste generated during home quarantine should be kept in black bags and closed prior to disposal and collection by the municipal solid waste (MSW) management sector
The highly contagious and persistent COVID-19 virus may infect MSW workers due to direct exposure to waste with poor safety measures
Summary
The constant ecological and environmental degradation has necessitated the transfer of global economic growth to green growth for sustainable development (Abu Hajar et al 2020; Bina 2013; Luukkanen et al 2019; Wanner 2015). There is a possibility of workers in the MSW management sector being infected with COVID-19 virus and contributing to community transmission, since they are directly exposed to contaminated waste generated from infected people This has necessitated the installation of appropriate protection measures for workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, as waste pickers, doctors, and nurses have all been key workers throughout this period (covid-19-Jordan 2020). A brief description of the general composition of MSW and the transmission mechanics of the COVID-19 virus through the surfaces of MSW are presented During this pandemic, it has been possible for the amount and type of waste generation to increase or decrease depending on the location (Naughton 2020). Especially paper-based material, has increased substantially due to spikes in online shopping, as many countries have adopted lockdown measures that have shut down over-the-counter and physical shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic (covid-19-Austria 2020)
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