Review on COVID-19 impacts on chemicals and wastes

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.

Requests were sent to local executive bodies to obtain information on the disinfectants used for the treatment of streets and premises in different cities of Kazakhstan. Additionally, CSD conducted a study of antiseptics for the absence of toxic substances and compliance with the declared composition. From conversations with large enterprises and organizations that are engaged in the collection and processing of waste, CSD learned about an 2X increase in municipal solid waste during the pandemic quarantine. To spread the information and draw attention to the problem of the use of disinfectants, an article was prepared for publication in national press releases and magazines, and CSD participated in a webinar.

This project relates to Sustainable Development Goals numbers 3, 6, 11 & 12.

Special thanks to IPEN's Eastern Europe, Caucasus, and Central Asia (EECCA) Regional Coordinator Dr. Olga Speranskaya and Regional Hub Eco-Accord for their important contributions to the development and finalization of the project.