More Trash is a Side Effect of the Pandemic

Photo By Lucien Wanda

Last August I wrote a little about COVID-19 and it’s connection to a variety of environmental changes, some positive and others negative. Along the same lines, in January the San Diego CBS affiliate ran a news story about the impact of COVID-19 on San Diego’s Miramar Landfill. https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/outreach/earth8/landfill-increase/509-6ec14253-a8c2-409d-9f7a-8b81cab8dbee The finding? More trash! 

In fact, from the period March to October 2020, the Miramar Landfill saw an increase of 11% from the same time the previous year. The Assistant Director from the Environmental Services Department for the City of San Diego hypothesizes that the increase is linked to the state’s stay-at-home orders because of the pandemic. People are staying at home and shopping online more than ever. There is no question that increased litter is a side effect of the pandemic, all due to online shopping, food take out containers, and PPE.

Generating a lot of recyclables, boxes, and packing materials, is yet another example of why it is so important to “Pick It Up” when you see these items scattered about. I know in my own neighborhood, I see bins overflowing on trash day and items inevitably end up escaping and landing on the street or sidewalk. Just keep all these things in mind while going about your daily routine - consume less, reuse when possible, close those trash bin lids, and pick up litter when you see it.