MSW Management in a Lacustrine Area: Circular Economy Criteria and Effects of COVID-19 Emergency

Lacustrine areas are often studied for their environmental relevance. In spite of that the literature has a limited number of articles on the management of municipal solid waste in such contexts. In this frame, the present work wants to contribute to the knowledge of that topic zooming on an area along the shore of Lake Maggiore, Italy. Data of sixteen municipalities were analysed to verify their performances and the consequence of COVID-19 emergency on waste management. Indicators as per-capita residual municipal solid waste production and selective collection efficiency demonstrate the positive management of waste in the area. The pandemic affected the behavior of the population as demonstrated by the variations of plastic packaging delivered to selective collection during the lockdowns. The abundant use of surgical masks during the pandemic did not affected significantly the stream of waste. However, solutions are needed to manage them according to the circular economy principles.