Abstract

In the current pandemic (COVID-19) that the world faces, there is a dire need to develop a more resilient municipal solid waste system to cushion its effect. To achieve that, a robust knowledge of the current state and future directions required through research is pertinent as municipal solid waste management practices vary from regions all over. This study covers a holistic review of available literature regarding this topic from up to 20 years. The study adopted the PRISMA method, which is a structured and robust literature process for identifying and selecting relevant articles. The results from this review revealed that very few studies have been conducted to help create a more sustainable solid waste practice that can address several issues regarding public health emergencies and virus spread in a pandemic era. Also, it was observed that most recommendations did not foresee or address the pandemic era, as well as showing some conflicting reports in one or more cases. Therefore, this article points out the knowledge gaps regarding the safe sorting and collection of waste to inhibit spread during a pandemic and to stimulate future research in municipal solid waste management.