The Plastic Problem: People's Wasteful Ways

Plastic waste is a pressing global issue. In 2023, global plastic production amounted to roughly 415 million metric tons, doubling in comparison to the beginning of the century. Despite increased attention and outrage in recent years, UN member states failed to reach an agreement in December 2024 on a legally binding global plastic treaty to tackle plastic pollution. Plastic waste can be found polluting the tallest mountains to the deepest ocean trenches and has even been found in drinking water and human blood.

How much plastic waste is produced by different countries

Almost 70% of all plastic waste is produced by just 20 countries. Richer nations tend to produce the most plastic waste per person, but it is the mismanagement of waste that is most important for plastic pollution. Mismanaged waste tends to be much higher in low-to-middle-income countries, which have poorer waste management infrastructure.

The biggest producer of plastic is China, with about 60 million tonnes of plastic waste, yet only 16 million tonnes were recycled. In 2016, China’s overall plastic waste production had fallen to 21.60 million tons, a reduction of nearly 28 million tons. The second-highest producer of plastic waste is the United States, with 37.83 million tons. Other countries that produce a lot of plastic waste include Indonesia, India, Brazil, South Korea, Germany, Russia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

How much plastic waste is mismanaged

In 2020, 79% of plastic waste was disposed of in a 'managed' way, meaning it was recycled, incinerated or put into landfill. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that it's environmentally friendly. Globally, half of all plastic is sent to landfill, which is associated with air and water pollution, as well as releasing greenhouse gases as the contents break down.

Mismanaged plastic waste is plastic that is not recycled, incinerated or kept in sealed landfills. Rich countries tend to produce the most plastic waste per person, but it's the mismanagement of this waste that's most important for plastic pollution. Mismanaged waste tends to be much higher in low-to-middle-income countries, which is where most of the ocean plastics come from. This is because these countries tend to have poorer waste management infrastructure.

At least 1.2 billion people live without waste collection services, forcing them to 'self-manage' waste, often by dumping it on land and in rivers, or burning it in open fires. The health risks resulting from plastic pollution affect some of the world's poorest communities, who are powerless to do anything about it.

How much plastic waste is recycled

Plastic is a cheap, versatile and sterile material used in various applications, including construction, home appliances, medical instruments and food packaging. However, when plastic waste is not recycled, incinerated or kept in sealed landfills, it becomes an environmental pollutant.

In 2020, 79% of plastic that was thrown away was disposed of in a 'managed' way, which generally means that it was recycled, incinerated or put into landfill. Globally, half of all plastic is sent to landfill, which is associated with air and water pollution, as well as releasing greenhouse gases as the contents break down.

Rich countries tend to produce the most plastic waste per person. However, what's most important for plastic pollution is how much of this waste is mismanaged. Mismanagement means it's at risk of leaking into the environment. Mismanaged waste tends to be much higher in low-to-middle-income countries, where most of the ocean plastics come from.

In total, one to two million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans yearly, affecting wildlife and ecosystems.

How much plastic waste is incinerated

Plastic waste is a global issue, with almost 70% of all plastic waste produced by just 20 countries. Rich countries tend to produce the most plastic waste per person, but the most important factor for plastic pollution is how much of this waste is mismanaged. Mismanagement refers to waste that is not recycled, incinerated, or kept in sealed landfills. Globally, half of all plastic is sent to landfill, which contributes to air and water pollution and the release of greenhouse gases.

It is estimated that 79% of plastic thrown away in 2020 was disposed of in a 'managed' way, which includes incineration. While this means it didn't directly become pollution, it doesn't necessarily mean it's environmentally friendly. Incineration can release harmful toxins into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution.

The top five countries contributing to plastic waste are India, Nigeria, Indonesia, China, and Pakistan. These countries produce a combined total of over 21 million tonnes of plastic waste per year. However, it is important to note that the mismanagement of waste tends to be much higher in low-to-middle-income countries due to poorer waste management infrastructure. As a result, most plastic flowing into the ocean today comes from middle-income countries, particularly across Asia.

To reduce plastic pollution, it is critical to improve the management of plastic waste, especially in poorer countries. This includes ensuring that waste is properly recycled, incinerated, or disposed of in sealed landfills to prevent it from leaking into the environment.

How much plastic waste is put into landfill

Plastic is a cheap, versatile and sterile material used in construction, home appliances, medical instruments and food packaging. However, when plastic waste is not recycled, incinerated or kept in sealed landfills, it becomes an environmental pollutant.

It is estimated that 79% of plastic thrown away in 2020 was disposed of in a 'managed' way, which generally means it was recycled, incinerated or put into landfill. While this means it didn't directly become pollution, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's environmentally friendly. Globally, half of all plastic is sent to landfill, which is associated with air and water pollution, as well as the release of greenhouse gases as the contents break down.

Rich countries tend to produce the most plastic waste per person, but the most important factor for plastic pollution is how much of this waste is mismanaged. Mismanagement is much higher in low-to-middle-income countries, which is where most of the ocean's plastic comes from.

The top five countries for plastic waste production are India, Nigeria, Indonesia, China and Pakistan.

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