Effect of COVID-19 on the Generation of Waste in Marrakech, Morocco

BACKGROUND. The production of solid waste continues to increase as the population and standard of living increases. In addition, changes in living conditions can induce significant variation in the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of waste. OBJECTIVES. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of the lockdown period on the generation of solid waste produced in the city of Marrakech. METHODS. The tonnage of household waste, construction and demolition waste and green waste was collected from the landfill and an analysis was made during the lockdown period in 2020 in comparison with the same period in 2019. RESULTS. The analysis of solid waste tonnage in 2019 and 2020 showed that the lockdown had a significant impact on the various wastes; with a 27.61% decrease for household waste, 6.27% decrease in the case of green waste, and 57.40% decrease for construction and demolition waste. DISCUSSION. The degree to which the tonnage of household waste decreased depended on the standard of living in each district which was defined by housing type. The tonnage of construction and demolition waste was influenced by the halt in construction activity in the city. CONCLUSIONS. The results of the present study showed that the tonnage of household waste and demolition and construction waste decreased during the lockdown period. COMPETING INTERESTS. The authors declare no competing financial interests.