COVID-19 has generated an unprecedented impact in most countries in the world. It is considered that the pandemic caused by COVID-19 is the greatest challenge that humankind has faced since the second World War. The COVID-19 outbreak has presented both an enormous challenge and tremendous opportunities for changing our society from a waste management perspective as well.

One of the most pronounced problems caused by the pandemic is inadequate and inappropriate handling of medical and healthcare waste which may have significant impact on health and environment. Sound management of these types of waste, in addition to municipal solid waste (MSW) and other growing waste streams such as electronic waste (E-waste), construction and demolition (C&D) waste and industrial waste, is thus a crucial issue in consideration of better waste management.

In response to this situation, countries are working on development of policies for contingency measures to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on health and the environment. Similarly, people are learning from the pandemic and making efforts on redesigning society for a sustainable and resilient future.

The influence of COVID-19 on waste management could be discussed at the session from the following perspectives:

1. Brief introduction on COVID-19 and waste management
2. CCET/UNEP report on COVID-19
3. Guidelines (GL) vs Operations in developing countries for COVID-19
4. Cases of developed countries, by MOEJ
5. How to materialise GL or cases of developed countries in developing countries, by representatives from the developing countries.
6. Beyond the response; Build Back Better (BBB) (discussion)