Use, reuse, and waste management of single‐use products associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States

Abstract

AbstractSingle‐use product usage is not a new concern. However, during the early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the use and disposal of single‐use products, especially those related to managing the pandemic, rose to prominence. Reports of shortages—and at the same time litter formation arising from improper disposal of various pandemic‐related materials such as gloves, masks, wipes, and food takeout containers—were frequently relayed. To address shortages, it was recommended that single‐use products be reused in some instances. As these recommendations were widely adopted, it became essential to assess consumer preferences regarding single‐use product usage. Aiming to fill that void, a survey was distributed to learn about single‐use product usage, possible reuse of single‐use products, and waste‐management practices during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the US. Respondents preferred reusable fabric masks followed by disposable surgical masks. A significant percentage of respondents answered that they would reuse a disposable mask and mostly selected rotating masks as the preferred “disinfection” method in between the reuse of single‐use masks. Gloves were not used by most respondents whereas wipes and/or paper towels were used by more than half of respondents. Free‐response answers were analyzed for common themes. Concerns related to pandemic‐related product use and disposal, and food packaging or food preparation were observed in the free‐response answers. This survey reveals that respondents perceived changes in their consumption and waste generation or perceived a change in the type of products consumed and discarded due to the pandemic. Overall, respondents expressed a preference for reuse and a concern over the increase in single‐use products. Results of this study can be used to make projections on the consumption and reuse of single‐use products in crisis scenarios. In addition, the data can be used to model the use and disposal phase in single‐use product life‐cycle assessments. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1736–1746. © 2024 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).