“Epidemic of Contaminated Waste Is Following the Coronavirus”

“The world is struggling to deal with the spread of another medical problem created by the coronavirus — a deluge of contaminated waste.

During the peak of the crisis, Wuhan, the city where the outbreak began, generated 240 tons a day of medical refuse — six times the normal level, according to the nation’s Environment Ministry. Manila in the Philippines produced an additional 280 tons a day of medical trash, while Jakarta generated 212 tons, the Asian Development Bank estimated.

Only a few countries have the capacity to handle the additional volumes, the bank said.”

Heesu Lee reports for Bloomberg Environment June 23, 2020.