Solid waste management practices and challenges in seven cities of Nepal before and during lockdown against COVID-19 pandemic

The nationwide lockdown imposed to control the spread of novel coronavirus induced dramatic alterations in different sectors Nepalese governance, including Solid Waste Management (SWM) practices. study identifies SW collection gaps seven major cities Nepal and highlights municipal public households on management practices before during emphasize linkage between COVID-19 SWM. It includes information solid waste status, frequency coverage, workers' safety practices, types vehicles operated for alternative methods adopted by manage lockdown. For this, 1329 survey key informant interviews were conducted was found that although coverage service similar pandemic surveyed households, there a drastic decrease leading gap around 570 tons/day. More than 50% no proper measures as they claimed stored with so authorities can take it. While other such open burning, throwing streets or composting. reveals poor occupational health among workers due unavailability gear equipment despite being aware modes transmission virus. exacerbated challenges smooth SWM it is an essential needy service. This need timely strategic framework be developed government continue