With the emergency situation created by COVID-19, authorities in most Latin American countries have prioritized sanitation as it pertains to waste management and declared waste collection and disposal to be essential activities. Recycling activities, on the other hand, have been sidelined and even suspended on a temporary basis, as they involve higher contact levels with materials. Given the uncertainty surrounding the means of COVID-19 transmission, it has been presumed that recycling activities could involve an increased risk of contagion for workers.
This guidance provides general guidelines for grassroots recyclers and urban solid waste generators.