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Waste management technologies are amongst the most important tools we can deploy to reduce our impact on nature. Further, efficient and eco-friendly waste management solutions also enable a healthy environment by reducing the probability of contagion transmissions. During the pre-COVID period, efficient and effective waste collection and treatment/disposal infrastructure for healthcare waste were only present in developed nations and urban cities in developing economies. Further, the trend of developing technology innovations focused at improving the waste management sector was witnessing a moderate growth. However, the COVID-19 outbreak led the entire waste management sector (especially in developing economies) into the abyss, biohazardous waste production skyrocketed and the waste collection infrastructure crumbled due to high waste production and restricted moment caused by sudden announcements of lockdowns.

Recently, the waste Industry participants and prominent research institutes have fast tracked the development of efficient waste management solutions; Technologies such as artificial intelligence, robots, internet of things, and on-site waste disinfection are thoroughly being explored for optimization of the waste management ecosystem. This research study – Recent Trends and Innovations Facilitating COVID-19 Waste Management– focuses on technologies advancements in COVID-19 Waste Management – overview and current trends along with the technology readiness status of respective technologies. Further, key challenges, recent trend & developments, industry collaborations, and research and development (R&D) activities in the COVID-19 Waste Management sector are covered in the study.

The findings and growth opportunities depicted in this study will help to drive the development of a resilient and cost effective biohazardous waste management ecosystem. The study discusses supportive regulatory frameworks evolving across the globe and prominent industry collaborations which are expected to play a significant role in facilitating the development of efficient COVID-19 waste management infrastructure.