Impacts of Increasing Plastic Wastes associated with theCOVID-19 Pandemic
Jingyi Yu, MLWS 2023
The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a surge in various types of waste, notably face masks, overwhelming waste management systems. While these plastic products provided protection, their widespread use disrupted supply chains and waste disposal systems. The waste management industry faces immense pressure managing hazardous waste from COVID-19 cases. Concerns loom over the potential release of these plastics into terrestrial and marine ecosystems due to ineffective waste management. The report investigates the upsurge in plastic waste and its environmental repercussions, outlining strategies to manage biomedical plastic waste. It highlights the necessity for further research on this environmental issue and explores challenges and potential solutions for handling biomedical plastic waste during the pandemic.
