## 1 Introduction  
It is estimated that since the 20 th century, society has been leading a consumerist lifestyle [1]. Despite many legal changes, the promotion of the transition from a linear to a circular economy, as well as greater public awareness, that huge amounts of raw materials are still used and more waste is generated [2].  
Until 2019, with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, Poland had gradually increased the amount of selectively collected waste [3]. This is the basis for increasing the share of recycling and the waste stream returned to loop [3,4]. Unfortunately, coronavirus can disrupt this upward trend [4]. Current EU targets for recycling are: 55% by 2025, 60% by 2030 and 65% by 2035 [5]. Poland has a problem in fulfilling all obligations in this area. The COVID-19 pandemic will make the situation even more difficult. Figure 1 shows municipal solid waste in Poland in 2013-2018. There is a growing recycling tendency, but it is hard to fulfill the targets:  
* Minimum 50% recycling by 2020 [4].
* Maximum 30% thermal treatment by 2020 [4].
* Maximum 10% disposal by 2030 [4].  
SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is a new type of virus and belongs to the beta-coronavirus group. It is very similar to SARS-CoV. The coronavirus is spherical in shape with a diameter of about 130 nm. Due to its small size, it can remain airborne for a long time and can easily pass through many protective materials [6]. Coronavirus is a pathogen different from other viruses, bacteria, and pathogenic microorganisms known to the waste management industry on a daily basis. Figure 2 shows the persistence of coronavirus on the surface of different wastes [7].  
Figure 1: Municipal solid waste management in Poland in 2013–2018 [4].  
Figure 2: Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus on different wastes [7].  
Coronavirus persistence reaches the lowest level on glassware, copper (4 h) [7] and gloves (<8 h) [7], while it is the highest on silicon (5 days) [7], plastics (3 days) [7] and steel (2-3 days) [7]. Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on cardboards and disposal gowns is approximately 24 h [7].  
Agencies and countries have introduced many suggestions and guidelines on how to minimize the risk of coronavirus in waste management:  
* WHO (World Health Organization): gave message that all physical workers must be equipped with proper personal protective equipment (PPE), e.g., facemasks, medical gloves, aprons, and disposable protecting cloths. The World Health Organization estimates that currently around 89 million face masks and 76 million gloves are used worldwide.
* US EPA (The United States Environmental Protection Agency): introduced guidelines for recycling and sustainable management of food wastes during the COVID-19 outbreak.
* U.S. OSHA (United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration): defined the safety guidelines, e.g., strict engineering and administrative controls, safe work practices, and proper PPE.
* SWANA (Solid Waste Association of North America): reminded that solid waste collection, processing, and disposal are a crucial public service.
* EC (European Commission): published the guidelines to include preventing or reducing distortions in waste management services.
* China: \"The Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People's Republic of China issued \"COVID-19 Infected Pneumonia Medical Waste Emergency Disposal Management and Technical Guide. The infectious medical wastes generated during the COVID-19 pandemic should be strictly packaged according to the standards for special packaging bags, containers, and warning signs for medical wastes. Medical waste disposal units, e.g., hazardous waste incineration plants, domestic waste incineration plants, industrial furnaces, and other emergency disposal methods shall give priority to the collection and disposal of infectious medical waste. The standard for pollution control on medical waste treatment and disposal\" (GB39707-2020) will be implemented [8,9]\".