Waste management during COVID-19 pandemic

While COVID-19 is primarily a global health emergency, its impacts have been unprecedented on a wide spectrum of sectors, from the economy to education. The environmental sector is no exception. One of the most pronounced and specific environmental impacts of the COVID-19 crisis is the challenge of healthcare and infectious waste management.

Hospitals handling COVID-19 cases generate waste which are potentially infectious, from materials used in patient care to the personal protective equipment used by the healthcare personnel. Medical facilities with proper waste disposal facilities, need only additional training for the waste handlers. However, in areas without environmentally adequate waste management solutions, locally appropriate solutions will need to be found. In many countries, tens of thousands of people are involved in waste picking activities and the market for recycled goods has crashed. The COVID-19 situation has impacted livelihoods of waste pickers and increased stigma of their jobs. Therefore, this sector will also need special attention.

The UN Environment Programme and its experts will be delivering a webinar in order to increase awareness and provide guidance on the issue of waste management during the COVID-19 crisis. Participants of the webinar will also have access to additional reference materials and guidance.