Solid waste and the social distancing occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic: a brief socioenvironmental overview and a case study in Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The social distancing caused by the COVID-19 pandemic meant that part of the population remained at home, reducing the number of people on the streets. To understand the influence of population behavior changes on solid waste generation, this research aimed to gather information on solid waste production and disposal during social distancing in order to verify if there were changes in product consumption habits and waste disposal. The research was based on a literature review and a public survey about the behavior of the population in relation to solid waste on a digital platform. The data collected show that the delivery service increased after the distancing began, as well as the demand for disposable packaging, especially plastic ones. On the other hand, the competitiveness among delivery workers increased and there was a worsening in working conditions. The volume of solid waste in urban areas and on beaches decreased, while the volume of waste sent to selective collection increased. During this period, new types of waste began to be seen on streets and beaches, masks and disposable gloves. It"™s concluded that this is an important moment for society and public entities to deal with the consumption and disposal of solid waste in order not to aggravate the problems related to solid waste; individual habits are important and everyone must seek to improve their behavior in relation to the environment, however, a significant and lasting change must rely on the government, industry and commerce, which govern the behavior of the population. The policy must be an instrument of social transformation and improvement, and citizens must act as active subjects, capable of questioning and proposing changes.