Research Article

The Impact of Pandemic Dynamics on Solid Waste Generation: An Evaluation of the Pre-Pandemic, Pandemic, and Post-Pandemic Periods

Volume: 13 Number: 1 October 4, 2026
TR EN

The Impact of Pandemic Dynamics on Solid Waste Generation: An Evaluation of the Pre-Pandemic, Pandemic, and Post-Pandemic Periods

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to determine changes in household solid waste generation in Bitlis and selected districts before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and to evaluate the pandemic's impact on waste production dynamics. In this study, the Kruskal-Wallis test, ANOVA, and Spearman's rank correlation were applied to the data across three periods between 2018 and 2023. The findings showed that household waste totaled approximately 37.7 million kg in 2019 and increased significantly during the pandemic, reaching 72.6 million kg in 2021. Although a partial decrease in waste was observed in the post-pandemic period, the values remained above pre-pandemic levels. Kruskal-Wallis analysis results showed statistically significant differences between periods in Bitlis, Tatvan, Güroymak, and Mutki districts (p<0.05). Correlation analyses revealed a very strong positive relationship between Bitlis and Tatvan (r = 0.909). Furthermore, a noticeable increase in plastic and packaging waste was observed during the pandemic. In conclusion, the pandemic significantly altered household waste production dynamics, highlighting the need for sustainable waste management planning that is more resilient to extraordinary situations.

Keywords

COVID-19 pandemic, household solid waste, waste type, ANOVA, Bitlis

Thanks

The author would like to thank the Bitlis Province, Districts, and Municipalities Solid Waste Disposal Facilities Construction and Operation Association (BİKA) and BİKA Acting Operations Manager Muhammed Musa TÜTÜN for their contributions and support to this study.

References

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APA
Demir Yetiş, A. (2026). The Impact of Pandemic Dynamics on Solid Waste Generation: An Evaluation of the Pre-Pandemic, Pandemic, and Post-Pandemic Periods. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 13(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.54365/adyumbd.1978629
AMA
1.Demir Yetiş A. The Impact of Pandemic Dynamics on Solid Waste Generation: An Evaluation of the Pre-Pandemic, Pandemic, and Post-Pandemic Periods. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi. 2026;13(1):1-18. doi:10.54365/adyumbd.1978629
Chicago
Demir Yetiş, Ayşegül. 2026. “The Impact of Pandemic Dynamics on Solid Waste Generation: An Evaluation of the Pre-Pandemic, Pandemic, and Post-Pandemic Periods”. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi 13 (1): 1-18. https://doi.org/10.54365/adyumbd.1978629.
EndNote
Demir Yetiş A (October 1, 2026) The Impact of Pandemic Dynamics on Solid Waste Generation: An Evaluation of the Pre-Pandemic, Pandemic, and Post-Pandemic Periods. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi 13 1 1–18.
IEEE
[1]A. Demir Yetiş, “The Impact of Pandemic Dynamics on Solid Waste Generation: An Evaluation of the Pre-Pandemic, Pandemic, and Post-Pandemic Periods”, Adıyaman Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 1–18, Oct. 2026, doi: 10.54365/adyumbd.1978629.
ISNAD
Demir Yetiş, Ayşegül. “The Impact of Pandemic Dynamics on Solid Waste Generation: An Evaluation of the Pre-Pandemic, Pandemic, and Post-Pandemic Periods”. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi 13/1 (October 1, 2026): 1-18. https://doi.org/10.54365/adyumbd.1978629.
JAMA
1.Demir Yetiş A. The Impact of Pandemic Dynamics on Solid Waste Generation: An Evaluation of the Pre-Pandemic, Pandemic, and Post-Pandemic Periods. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi. 2026;13:1–18.
MLA
Demir Yetiş, Ayşegül. “The Impact of Pandemic Dynamics on Solid Waste Generation: An Evaluation of the Pre-Pandemic, Pandemic, and Post-Pandemic Periods”. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 13, no. 1, Oct. 2026, pp. 1-18, doi:10.54365/adyumbd.1978629.
Vancouver
1.Ayşegül Demir Yetiş. The Impact of Pandemic Dynamics on Solid Waste Generation: An Evaluation of the Pre-Pandemic, Pandemic, and Post-Pandemic Periods. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi. 2026 Oct. 1;13(1):1-18. doi:10.54365/adyumbd.1978629