Arising Challenges From Single-use Plastics and Personal Protective Equipment Through COVID-19 Pandemic in Waste Management System in Developing Countries

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has led to lifestyle changes. One of the consequences of these changes is seen in the management of municipal solid waste. Management of single-use plastics and personal protective equipment (PPE) as one of the common solid waste in the period is one of the important challenges in waste management. This research was conducted by studying the articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, plastic waste and PPE. The articles were selected based on a specific search protocol and selection criteria.: Because of inhabiting regulations for recycling, almost all produced waste was landfilled during early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. During a short while, developed countries started coping with waste-originated issues thank to their appropriate infrastructure. On the other hand, single-use plastics and unsafe disposed PPE has made health and economic problems in developing and low-middle income countries. There is an urgent need to make some corrections in waste management systems as well as public education to minimize the adverse effects of COVID-19 in developing countries.