Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Waste Management: A Case Study of Dhaka City in Bangladesh

Created on 12th July 2021

Conference: The Asian Undergraduate Research Symposium (AURS2021)
Title: Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Waste Management: A Case Study of Dhaka City in Bangladesh
Stream: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math
Presentation Type: Virtual Poster Presentation
Authors:
Alice S. Gomes, North South University, Bangladesh
Ahsan Saif, North South University, Bangladesh
Samiha Hasan, North South University, Bangladesh
Shama E. Haque, North South University, Bangladesh
Nazmun Nahar, North South University, Bangladesh

Abstract:

According to the World Health Organization, between 3 January 2020 and 6 July 2021, there have been 966,406 confirmed cases of Covid-19 with 15,392 deaths in Bangladesh. Currently, fueled by the delta variant, Bangladesh is suffering from the third Covid-19 wave. With the surge in Covid-19 patients, PPE requirements have increased, which in turn will increase the generation of PPE wastes. The objective of this study is to evaluate plastic waste management situation during the pandemic in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. This study focuses on the impacts of Covid-19 on plastic waste generated by healthcare facilities in Dhaka. The results indicate that the responses to the coronavirus in Dhaka have resulted in excessive use of long-lasting single use plastic products. Use of these items experienced a surge due to a rise in online food delivery amid Covid-19 restrictions. The study finds mismanagement of healthcare facility wastes during the early stages of Covid-19. Subsequently, healthcare authorities reported that proper Covid-19 waste management procedures are being followed. The findings further indicate that due to waste mismanagement, substantial plastic waste leaks into the environment. This is concerning due to its impacts to natural ecosystems as well as public health and safety. The findings indicate that some local healthcare facilities incinerate the generated Covid-19 waste or mix the generated waste with regular garbage. For proper management of Covid-19 waste, an efficient incineration facility is critical. The study proposes an incinerator, which is expected to reduce the Covid-19 waste quantity by ~95%.