The Plastic Waste Crisis: How Much Plastic Do We Throw Away?

Plastic is a valuable resource with a variety of applications, from construction to food packaging. However, plastic waste has become an environmental issue, with an estimated 460 million metric tons of plastic waste choking our oceans, lakes, and rivers. The mismanagement of plastic waste, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries, is a significant contributor to this problem. While the world might assume that most plastic waste is recycled, the reality is that only about 9% is, with half going straight to landfills. This has led to an estimated 75 to 199 million tons of plastic currently polluting our oceans, with at least 14 million tons added annually.

Plastic packaging waste

Plastic packaging plays a crucial role in protecting goods, especially in reducing food waste and its climate impact. However, the current plastic system is failing due to a "throwaway culture" and inadequate waste management systems. Poor product design and a lack of political infrastructure have resulted in the majority of plastic waste being sent to landfills or directly disposed of into the environment. As of 2019, it was estimated that 91% of plastic packaging waste ends up in landfills and/or the environment.

The issue of plastic waste in landfills is not benign. Plastic breaks down into microplastics, contaminating the soil and waterways and entering the food chain when animals ingest them. Additionally, to make room for more waste, the plastic in landfills is ultimately incinerated, emitting toxic pollutants and irritants into the air.

To address the problem of plastic packaging waste, urgent global action is required. Reducing the production and usage of single-use plastics, promoting recycling and the use of biodegradable materials, and improving waste management systems are essential steps to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution.

Plastic in landfills

Plastic is a valuable resource with a wide range of applications. However, it has become an environmental issue due to its widespread use as a disposable material. Packaging is the largest end-use market segment, accounting for just over 40% of total plastic usage. In 2018, plastics generation in the United States was 35.7 million tons, with 12.2% of that ending up in landfills. Landfills received 27 million tons of plastic in 2018, constituting 18.5% of all municipal solid waste (MSW) landfilled.

The containers and packaging category had the most plastic tonnage in MSW, at over 14.5 million tons in 2018. This category includes bags, sacks, wraps, and other plastic containers. Plastic bags, in particular, have an average "working life" of just 15 minutes, yet they are used extensively, with approximately 500 billion plastic bags used worldwide annually.

When plastic ends up in landfills, it breaks down into tiny toxic particles that contaminate the surrounding soil and waterways. These toxic particles can enter the food chain when animals accidentally ingest them. This contamination can have hazardous effects on a wide range of floral and faunal species, including humans. The process of degradation for plastic in landfills can take up to 1,000 years, and during this time, the plastic releases harmful volatile organic compounds through oxidative photodegradation.

If current production and waste management trends continue, it is estimated that there will be approximately 12,000 million metric tons of plastic waste in landfills or the natural environment by 2050. This crisis is killing our world, and it is essential to take action to prevent further plastic pollution and reduce the amount of plastic ending up in landfills.

Plastic in oceans

The primary sources of plastic in the ocean are rivers, which act as arteries, transporting plastic from land to sea. During storms and heavy rain events, plastic emissions can increase significantly as trash is washed into waterways. Coastal cities in middle-income countries are the world's plastic emissions hotspots due to the combination of increasing plastic consumption and inadequate waste management systems. However, it is important to note that not all plastic in rivers reaches the ocean, as some objects sink or get stuck along the river system.

Plastic in the ocean comes in various forms, from microplastics to larger items. Microplastics, such as microfibers, beads, and plastic fragments, can absorb harmful pollutants like pesticides and dyes, later releasing them into the ocean. Larger plastic items, such as abandoned fishing nets, pose a significant threat to marine life, leading to entanglement and ingestion.

The impact of plastic in the ocean has severe consequences for marine ecosystems, wildlife, and even human health and economies. Marine animals, including seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine mammals, are killed each year due to ingesting plastic or becoming entangled in it. Endangered species, such as the Hawaiian monk seal and Pacific loggerhead sea turtle, are among the nearly 700 species affected by plastic litter. Additionally, plastic pollution in the ocean can enter the food chain when animals accidentally ingest it, ultimately reaching human seafood eaters.

Addressing the issue of plastic in oceans requires a multifaceted approach. Reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management practices, and promoting recycling are crucial steps. Properly disposing of waste, participating in local clean-up efforts, and supporting initiatives to regulate plastics as pollutants are all essential aspects of tackling this global crisis.

Plastic recycling rates

Plastic is incredibly versatile and valuable in many ways, but it has also become a significant environmental issue. Packaging is the largest end-use market segment, accounting for just over 40% of total plastic usage. In 2014, 57% of plastic units were water bottles, with 57.3 billion sold that year. Beverage containers contribute to 14% of all litter, and when caps and labels are considered, this number is even higher.

The world produces more than 26 million US tons of polystyrene (plastic foam) each year, with Americans throwing away 25 billion Styrofoam cups annually. In 2017, packaging production constituted the highest-demand use for plastic, with 146 million metric tons used. At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans annually, with plastic pollution in the soil being four to 23 times higher than in the ocean, according to researchers in Germany.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the "National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution," which aims to prevent plastic pollution from entering the environment. Plastics are a rapidly growing segment of municipal solid waste (MSW), with the containers and packaging category having the most plastic tonnage at over 14.5 million tons in 2018. This category includes bags, sacks, wraps, other packaging, PET bottles and jars, HDPE natural bottles, and other containers.

While the overall amount of recycled plastics is relatively small, the recycling of specific types of plastic containers is more significant. In 2018, the recycling rate of PET bottles and jars was 29.1%, while the rate for HDPE natural bottles was 29.3%. The total amount of plastics combusted in MSW in 2018 was 5.6 million tons, with 16.3% of all MSW combusted with energy recovery. Landfills received 27 million tons of plastic, or 18.5% of all MSW landfilled, in 2018. The US plastics recycling rate has fallen to 5-6% for post-consumer plastic waste, with an estimated 85% of plastic ending up in landfills and 10% being incinerated.

Plastic pollution prevention

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that poses serious dangers to marine life, the environment, and human health. The first step towards tackling plastic pollution is to reduce plastic use. Here are some ways to prevent plastic pollution:

Reduce Plastic Use

A significant portion of plastic pollution comes from single-use plastics such as plastic bags, water bottles, and disposable coffee cups. These items are used only once and then discarded, contributing to the growing plastic waste problem. By reducing the use of single-use plastics, we can significantly decrease the amount of plastic waste generated. This can be achieved by using reusable alternatives, such as cloth bags, water bottles, and mugs.

Improve Waste Management

Proper waste management is crucial in preventing plastic pollution. This includes implementing effective recycling programs and ensuring proper disposal of plastic waste. Many countries lack the necessary infrastructure for proper waste management, leading to plastic ending up in landfills and oceans. Investing in sanitary landfills, incineration facilities, and recycling technologies can help address this issue.

Innovate Material and Product Design

By encouraging the development and use of biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic, we can reduce the environmental impact of plastic pollution. This includes materials such as paper, plant-based plastics, and compostable alternatives. Additionally, product design can be optimized to minimize plastic usage and maximize recyclability.

Decrease Waste Generation

Businesses and manufacturers can play a significant role in reducing plastic waste generation. This includes reducing plastic packaging, promoting reusable and refillable options, and minimizing the use of plastic in their supply chain. For example, manufacturers can switch from plastic packaging to paper or compostable alternatives.

Minimize Plastic Release into the Environment

Efforts should be made to capture and remove plastic pollution from the environment, particularly in coastal areas and oceans. This can involve beach clean-up initiatives, river and ocean clean-up programs, and improved waste management systems to prevent plastic from entering waterways.

Address Plastic Producing Industries

The plastic industry, including big corporations and the oil and gas industry, has a significant impact on plastic pollution. It is crucial to advocate for reduced plastic production, expose deceptive industry marketing, and demand action from these industries to address their contribution to the plastic crisis. This includes investing in reusable and refillable alternatives and supporting initiatives like the Global Plastics Treaty.

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