The Mediterranean's Plastic Crisis: Italy's Dumping Problem

Plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea is a pressing issue, with an estimated 600,000 tonnes of plastic waste dumped into the sea every year by 22 countries. Italy is one of the worst offenders, with a WWF report estimating that 7.6% of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean comes from the country. This plastic waste is not only harmful to marine life and ecosystems but also poses risks to human health and the local economy.

Egypt, Turkey and Italy account for two-thirds of the Mediterranean's mismanaged waste

Every country in the Mediterranean mismanages a portion of its waste, but Egypt, Turkey, and Italy together account for two-thirds of the mismanaged waste. A 2019 WWF report estimates that 0.57 million metric tons of plastic enter the Mediterranean Sea every year, with 600,000 tonnes of this coming from the 22 countries and territories that border the sea.

Egypt is the biggest source of plastic waste in the Mediterranean, with 41.3% of plastic pollution coming from water-based sources originating in the country. Turkey has the highest plastic pollution in the Mediterranean, with 31.3 kg of debris per kilometre along its coastline. Turkey is also the second-biggest source of plastic waste in the Mediterranean, with 19.1% of plastic pollution coming from water-based sources originating in the country. Italy is the third-biggest source of plastic waste in the Mediterranean, with 7.6% of plastic pollution coming from water-based sources originating in the country. It is also the largest consumer of bottled water in the world, with about 178 litres of water sold in plastic bottles per person, per year.

The Mediterranean Sea receives waste from coastal areas and from waters, such as rivers. For example, the Nile River brought around 200 tonnes of plastic waste into the Mediterranean basin yearly as of 2017. The WWF estimates that the economic losses attributed to the plastic pollution in the region are at least €641 million per year, including losses to the tourism, fishing, and maritime industry.

The Nile River brings around 200 tonnes of plastic waste into the Mediterranean basin every year

It is estimated that 0.57 million metric tons of plastic enter the Mediterranean Sea every year. This is the equivalent of 33,800 plastic bottles being dumped into the sea every minute. The Mediterranean Sea receives waste from coastal areas and rivers, such as the Nile River, which brought around 200 tonnes of plastic waste into the Mediterranean basin yearly as of 2017.

The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world. A report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) found that Egypt, Turkey, and Italy together account for two-thirds of the mismanaged waste in the Mediterranean. The report also highlighted Egypt as the biggest source of plastic waste in the Mediterranean, followed by Turkey. It is estimated that 70% of plastic pollution coming from water-based sources comes from these three areas, with Italy contributing 7.6%.

The WWF report also noted that Italy is the largest consumer of bottled water in the world, with about 178 litres of water sold in plastic bottles per person per year. This high level of plastic consumption, coupled with poor waste collection systems, remains a problem in several countries.

The plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea poses important risks for marine ecosystems, human health, and the blue economy of the area. The coastal zones of the Mediterranean are very densely populated and among the first tourist destinations worldwide.

The Mediterranean Sea is polluted by 563 plastic bottles every second

Of this waste, only 72% is disposed of properly, in controlled landfills, incinerators, or by recycling. The rest is mismanaged in uncontrolled landfills or dumped illegally. Every country in the Mediterranean mismanages a portion of its waste, but Egypt, Turkey, and Italy together account for two-thirds of the mismanaged waste.

A 2019 WWF report found that 70% of plastic pollution from water-based sources comes from Egypt, Turkey, and Italy. The coastline of Cilicia in southeast Turkey has the highest plastic pollution in the Mediterranean, with 31.3 kg of debris per kilometre. Egypt is the biggest source of plastic waste in the Mediterranean, followed by Turkey.

Italy is the largest consumer of bottled water in the world, with about 178 litres of water sold in plastic bottles per person per year.

Italy is the largest consumer of bottled water in the world

The Mediterranean Sea receives waste from coastal areas and rivers, with around 70% of plastic pollution coming from three areas: Egypt, Turkey and Italy. A report by the WWF estimates that 0.57 million metric tons of plastic enter the Mediterranean Sea every year, which is the equivalent of 33,800 plastic bottles being dumped into the sea every minute. Italy is one of the highest producers and consumers of bottled water in the world, and it is estimated that each Italian consumes an average of 208 litres of bottled water every year.

Tap water in the majority of Italy is perfectly safe to drink, and is the fifth best in all of Europe in terms of overall quality. However, nearly 29% of Italians who only drink bottled water say they do so because they don't like the taste of tap water.

Italy, along with Egypt and Turkey, account for two-thirds of the mismanaged waste in the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean coastline of Cilicia in south-east Turkey has the highest plastic pollution in the Mediterranean

Turkey, Egypt and Italy are responsible for two-thirds of the mismanaged waste in the Mediterranean. Turkey and Egypt are the biggest sources of plastic waste in the Mediterranean, with Turkey contributing 19.1% of plastic pollution from water-based sources and 7.6% coming from Italy.

A 2019 report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) estimates that 600,000 tonnes of plastic are dumped into the Mediterranean Sea every year by 22 countries. This is the equivalent of 563 plastic bottles being dumped into the sea every second.

The WWF report also highlights that Cilicia has the highest coastline pollution in the Mediterranean, with some of the most contaminated coastlines being key tourist destinations like Barcelona, Tel-Aviv, Valencia, the Bay of Marseille, and the Venice coast close to the Po River Delta.

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