Reflections on COVID-19 pandemic and waste management in developing countries: A case study in Sao Paulo city, Brazil.

ABSTRACT: COVID-19 pandemic has changed several aspects in human behaviour, whereas population mobility patterns have been strongly affected by social distancing. In parallel, changes in solid waste generation patterns have been reported worldwide. This work assessed the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on waste generation and collection in São Paulo city, Brazil, the largest city of Latin America. Data on nine types of wastes collected between 2013 and 2021 were obtained, and the quantities of wastes collected before and during the pandemic were compared. These data were also discussed in light of data on COVID-19 cases and rates of social distancing and mobility. An increase in the amount of recyclables collected during the first wave of COVID-19 (March to September 2020) was observed. Decreases

SUBMITTER: Vargas IS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10247687 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature