Under the situation of movement restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, there was the likelihood of increased generation of solid waste as a result of increased consumption, with increased accumulation due to working from homes and surges in household waste due to increased online shopping. New kinds of wastes, such as used face masks and hand gloves, empty hand sanitizer containers and other plastic materials, have also been introduced into the environment, and such wastes have become somewhat ubiquitous, with fly-tipping (illegal dumping) and improper disposal.
To prepare for this project, The Center “Cooperation for Sustainable Development” (CSD) carried out a search and analysis of all available materials related to the coronavirus infection. Statistical data on the spread of the COVID -19 in Kazakhstan, measures taken by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the introduction of a state of emergency and the current regulatory legal acts were analyzed.
For this project, Front Commun pour la Protection de l’Environnement et des Espaces Proteges (FCPEEP) reviewed documentation related to the COVID-19 pandemic, describing and briefly commenting on the situation in the South Kivu province, DR Congo; analyzed the impacts of the pandemic on the proliferation of chemicals and waste; designed public awareness materials to alert the general public of the hidden potential hazards from chemicals extensively used during the coronavirus health crisis; and shared the results of the study with relevant stakeholders.
The COVID-19 pandemic has already had negative effects on waste management, significantly contributing to increases in medical waste and household waste, and a substantial slowdown in recycling efforts. This upsurge in hazardous waste particularly endangers developing countries that are destinations for waste exports via the global waste trade.
A Case Study of Muoroto Slum in Mombasa, Kenya, by Eco Ethics Kenya provides a valuable insight into the management of plastic waste and its adverse impacts on the environment and health of those vulnerable communities, especially artisanal recyclers, who carry a disproportionate burden. This case study underpins the recommendations made by Eco Ethics Kenya for urgent action to protect the informal waste sector through better training, support and worker safety protections.
The Caribbean Poison Information Network (CARPIN) reveals in this telling report on Highly Hazardous Pesticides in Jamaica that HHPs account for 32% of the registered active ingredients in the country. Other countries have banned 66 pesticide active ingredients registered in Jamaica, including three pesticides not approved in the European Union.
Jeunes Volontaires pour l’Environnement has identified 14 facilities in Cameroon that currently handle plastic waste and have the potential to impact human health, especially waste workers, and Cameroon's sensitive environment. This national report seeks to provide information and support to consumers, manufacturers, distributers, regulatory authorities and the media about the inherent risks, hazards and associated impacts of plastic waste.
This National Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) Report for Burundi by Propreté, Environnement Et Sante (PES.) reveals that out of the 76 active ingredients included in pesticides registered in the country, 51 active ingredients or 67% are HHPs. The report concludes with recommendations for more effective pesticide use to reduce the damage to human health and the environment.
This project relates to Sustainable Development Goals 2, 3, 6, 8, 12, 13, 14, and 15.
As with many countries around the world, during the COVID-19 lockdown periods in Bangladesh, there was an increase in hazardous medical waste production. The increase in waste volume pressured the waste management infrastructures, which have proven insufficient to accommodate the unexpected increase. Furthermore,resurgence of single use plastic posed a serious threat for health and the environment. In the suburban areas, personal protection equipment (PPE), caps, and gloves were discarded into household bins, putting waste collectors' health and life at risk.