Uk's Annual Plastic Waste: A Startling Overview

Plastic pollution is an escalating crisis, with the UK discarding an estimated 90 billion pieces of plastic packaging annually, or 100 billion according to another source. This equates to 60 pieces of plastic packaging per household per week, with only 17% being recycled domestically. The UK is the world's second-biggest producer of plastic waste per person, and the government's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is incompatible with the incineration of plastic waste, which releases carbon dioxide and poses health risks to local communities.

UK households throw away 90 billion plastic pieces annually

The UK's high plastic waste generation is concerning, as it contributes to the larger issue of plastic pollution globally. Plastic waste has severe environmental consequences, with an estimated 14 million tons of plastic ending up in our oceans annually. The UK's plastic waste also impacts marginalised communities and People of Colour, who are more likely to live near incineration sites or be harmed by the waste dumped in countries in the Global South.

The UK's plastic waste crisis is exacerbated by the country's lack of infrastructure to deal with the enormous amounts of plastic waste produced each year. As a result, the UK has relied on waste exports and landfills to manage its plastic waste. However, incinerating plastic contributes to climate change and can release more carbon dioxide per tonne than burning coal. It also poses health risks to local communities, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas.

To address the plastic waste crisis, Greenpeace and other organisations are calling for a reduction in plastic production and a transition towards sustainable alternatives. They are urging the UK government and supermarkets to take decisive action, such as reducing plastic production by at least 75% by 2040 and advocating for a legally binding target in the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations.

17% of plastic is recycled domestically

The UK throws away an estimated 90 billion pieces of plastic annually, with only 17% being recycled domestically. This equates to around 60 pieces of plastic packaging per household per week, or 1.7 billion pieces nationally per week. The UK is the world's second-biggest producer of plastic waste per person, with only the US producing more.

The UK's plastic waste is dealt with in several ways. Over half (58%) of plastic packaging thrown away is incinerated, 14% is exported as waste, 11% goes to landfill, and 17% is recycled in the UK. The UK's recycling rate for plastic packaging waste was 44% in 2021, but this figure includes energy recovery from incineration and plastic waste exports. Almost half of all UK plastic waste is incinerated for energy recovery, with 25% sent to landfills, and just 12% recycled in UK reprocessing facilities. The remaining waste is shipped abroad, with the Netherlands being the main destination for UK plastic waste in 2022.

The UK's high level of plastic waste is due in part to the country's production and use of plastic. The UK is the world's second-largest producer of plastic packaging waste per person, and UK households throw away more plastic per person than any other country except the US. The UK's plastic consumption is driven by a range of factors, including the convenience and versatility of plastic products, and the lack of alternatives.

Despite overwhelming public support for a reduction in plastic packaging, little progress has been made by supermarkets and big brands in this area. The UK government has also been criticised for not taking decisive action to reduce plastic production and transition towards sustainable alternatives. The country's heavy reliance on incineration as a method of plastic waste disposal is also at odds with its commitment to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The UK incinerates, landfills, or exports the rest

The UK incinerates, landfills, or exports most of its plastic waste. Over half (58%) of the plastic packaging thrown away in the UK is incinerated, which is a 12% increase from 2022. Incineration releases more carbon dioxide per tonne than burning coal and poses health risks to local communities, often in economically disadvantaged areas. The UK has 57 incinerators in operation and 18 more under construction.

Only 17% of plastic waste was recycled in the UK, according to the Greenpeace survey. This is consistent with the 2021 recycling rate of 44%. However, the recycling rates also include energy recovery from incineration and plastic waste exports, so the actual amount of plastic recycled in UK reprocessing facilities is likely lower.

The remaining plastic waste is sent to landfills or exported to other countries. Landfills receive the plastic waste and this plastic breaks down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the soil and waterways and enter the food chain when animals ingest them. The UK sent 25% of its plastic waste to landfills in 2021, while the Greenpeace survey found that 11% of plastic waste ended up in landfills. The Netherlands is now the main destination for UK plastic waste exports, importing almost one-quarter of shipments in 2022.

The UK is the world's second-largest producer of plastic waste

The UK's plastic waste production has serious environmental consequences. Incinerating plastic can release more carbon dioxide per tonne than burning coal and contributes to climate change. It also poses health risks to local communities, particularly those living near the UK's 57 incinerators, with 18 more currently in construction. Despite the government's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, plastic incineration is incompatible with this goal.

Furthermore, the UK's plastic waste contributes to the global plastic pollution crisis. It is estimated that more than 10 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year, with plastic particles contaminating soil, waterways, and the food chain. The UK's plastic waste production is showing no signs of slowing down, with production set to triple by 2050 if the industry continues unchecked.

While the UK has made some efforts to address its plastic waste problem, recycling rates have stagnated in recent years. In 2021, the recycling rate of plastic packaging waste in the UK was around 44%, with only 12% recycled in UK reprocessing facilities. The remaining waste is incinerated, landfilled, or shipped abroad, highlighting the UK's lack of infrastructure to deal with its own plastic waste.

To address this crisis, Greenpeace and other organisations are calling on the UK government to take decisive action. This includes advocating for a legally binding target in the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations and reducing plastic production by at least 75% by 2040. With public support for curbing plastic pollution, the UK has an opportunity to lead progressive action on a global scale.

Plastic waste is a growing environmental concern

The UK's role in this crisis is significant. According to the UK's largest plastic waste survey, UK households discard an estimated 90 billion plastic pieces annually, with only 17% being recycled domestically. This equates to 60 pieces of plastic packaging per household weekly. The survey, conducted by Greenpeace UK, reveals that despite overwhelming support for reduction, little progress has been made in decreasing plastic packaging. The UK is the world's second-biggest producer of plastic waste per person, surpassed only by the US.

The methods used to manage this waste are also environmentally detrimental. Over half (58%) of the plastic packaging discarded in the UK is incinerated, a process that exacerbates climate change by releasing carbon dioxide. This is incompatible with the government's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and poses health risks to local communities, particularly those in economically disadvantaged areas. Additionally, the UK lacks the infrastructure to handle its plastic waste, relying on exports to other countries.

The plastic crisis demands urgent attention, with production projected to triple by 2050. Marginalized communities and people of color are disproportionately affected, as they are more likely to reside near incineration sites or be harmed by the waste dumped in countries in the Global South. To address this escalating crisis, Greenpeace UK is calling for a legally binding target to reduce plastic production by at least 75% by 2040.

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