Conference on Environmental Science and Technology

Plastics are produced intensively all over the world as a result of processing petroleum-derived polymer raw materials with appropriate methods. Excessive use of petroleum-based plastics, which are difficult to decompose in nature, causes environmental pollution. During the coronavirus (COVID-19) period, the use of plastic packaged products has increased to reduce the spread of the virus in domestic and public spaces. This article investigates the pollution extent, distribution and general difficulties of packaging waste plastics used during periods when the COVID-19 process is active. Specifically, the use of plastic and plastic-packaged products has increased to reduce the spread of the virus. During the COVID-19 process, the distribution of these wastes was examined on a literature basis. It has been determined that plastic pollution is increasing during the COVID-19 period. During the examinations, plastic types were found especially in products for hygiene and protection purposes. The existence of single-use plastics and the throwaway mentality during the COVID-19 period have caused plastic pollution to increase even more. Since it takes a very long time for plastics to disappear in nature, intense plastic release during the pandemic has created a pollution burden in the ecosystem.