Do luxo ao lixo: a produção de lixo com o aumento do delivery durante a pandemia pelo COVID-19 em Uberlândia (MG).

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Uberlândia/MG, the increase in delivery services brought with it concerns about the generation of waste in the city. With the closure of establishments and restricted circulation, more people started using delivery (home shopping delivery), resulting in a significant increase in disposable packaging and solid waste. This transition from luxury to trash reveals social inequalities, as while some have the financial means to use the service regularly, others face difficulties in meeting their basic needs. Additionally, the ability to properly dispose of and access collection and recycling services also varies. To collect data on the population's awareness of the use of delivery and the consequent increase in waste generation due to the use of disposables, a questionnaire was applied that pointed out the tendency of people to dispose of solid waste still improperly. To deal with this problem, a joint effort by the government, companies and the population is necessary. Measures such as raising awareness about the environmental impacts of excessive consumption of disposable packaging, implementing public policies to reduce and recycle waste, and partnerships between the public and private sectors to improve waste management are essential. It is also important to rethink consumption habits and adopt more sustainable practices, such as preferring bulk products and reusable packaging. The analysis of these social dynamics and waste production highlights the need to review our behaviors and seek sustainable solutions that balance the convenience of delivery with environmental concerns, promoting a more conscious and balanced city.