Analysis of the effects of COVID-19 on the household solid waste collected in 22 Brazilian capitals

Abstract

Objective: The principal aim was to analyze the effects of COVID-19 on the household solid waste collected in 22 Brazilian capitals. Methodology: Descriptive approach, including the selection of Brazilian capitals and data analysis of household solid waste (RSD, acronym in Portuguese) by literature review and consultation of institutional platforms in digital media, at the beginning of the pandemic. Relevance: The pandemic required adaptations by local mangers and the establishment of guiding protocols for the prevention of the virus, which triggered emergency adaptations in the daily operations of RSD collection, especially in Brazilian capitals. Results: In the analyzed period, the capitals with the highest number of accumulated cases of COVID-19 were São Paulo, Brasília and Rio de Janeiro. Regarding 22 capitals analyzed, three have COVID-19 contingency plans for solid waste and, 16 of them has showed complementary guidelines for solid waste management. There was a reduction of household solid waste collected in April and May 2020, soon after the virus spread in the country. Contributions: The main contributions were a quantitative description of RSD collected in Brazilian capitals, an identification of procedures adopted in the analyzed period and, a set of preliminary initiatives to improve management in the sector. Conclusion: The pandemic outbreak to COVID-19 generated emergency adaptations in the collection of household solid waste and lack of data disclosure, even after a year of pandemic in Brazilian capitals. In this field, the proposed initiatives have the capacity to mobilize municipalities towards sustainability and resilience in the post-pandemic.