Plastic Waste: A Human's Daily Impact

Plastic waste is a growing global concern. The world produces around 350 million tons of plastic waste each year, with the US producing the most in 2016. Plastic waste is a significant contributor to municipal solid waste (MSW), which includes a range of waste types such as plastics, metals, and organic matter. On average, each person generates just over two kilograms of solid waste daily, with plastic items such as bottles, bags, and packaging contributing significantly to this. Improper disposal methods, such as burning or inadequate waste management, can lead to air pollution and plastic pollution in oceans, affecting wildlife and ecosystems. Addressing plastic waste through sustainable practices, improved recycling technologies, and effective policies is crucial to mitigating its environmental impact.

Plastic packaging and containers

The average person's daily life involves a range of plastic and packaging materials, which are often single-use. From plastic bottles to packaging foams, these materials contribute significantly to waste. In 2018, plastics made up 12.2% of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the United States, totaling 35.7 million tons. This is a growing concern, driven by population growth and changes in consumer behaviour.

The durability and resistance to degradation of plastics pose a significant challenge in waste management and recycling efforts. Plastic waste can lead to increased landfill volume, encroaching on natural habitats. Improper disposal of plastic waste, such as burning, releases toxic substances into the air and water, affecting human health and the environment.

To reduce plastic waste, individuals can embrace strategies such as refusing unnecessary items, reducing, reusing, and recycling products, and composting organic waste. Supporting companies that design products with circular economy principles in mind is also encouraged. Additionally, policies that promote efficient plastic recycling, target the dumping of plastic waste in landfills and oceans, and minimize industrial plastic use are crucial for long-lasting change.

The impact of plastic packaging and containers on the environment is significant, and addressing this issue requires a combination of individual actions and policy changes.

Plastic waste in landfills

Plastic waste is a growing concern for the environment, with the world producing around 350 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. The average human produces approximately 4.48 pounds of waste per day, with waste generation per person per day averaging 0.74 kilograms. While this average includes all types of waste, from plastics to metals and organic matter, plastics make up a significant portion. In 2018, plastics constituted 12.2% of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the United States, amounting to 35.7 million tons.

Plastics are a rapidly growing component of MSW, particularly in the containers and packaging category, which includes bags, sacks, wraps, bottles, and jars. The durability and resistance to degradation of plastics pose significant challenges to waste management and recycling efforts. As a result, a considerable amount of plastic waste ends up in landfills.

Landfills are a common practice for waste management worldwide. However, they pose significant environmental and health risks when it comes to plastic waste. Plastic is challenging to degrade, and if not properly managed, it can persist in the environment for decades. In landfills, plastic waste can break down into microplastics, which can be transported by air and leachate into surrounding environments, including waterways. This leakage can have multisectoral impacts on health, the environment, and the economy.

The degradation of plastic waste in landfills can also lead to the release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through oxidative photodegradation. These toxic substances pose risks to both the environment and human health. Additionally, the presence of microplastics can lead to the accumulation of non-biodegradable pollutants, further exacerbating health risks.

To address the issue of plastic waste in landfills, improved waste management practices and policies are necessary. While microbial degradation and controlled landfills are potential solutions, the best approach is to limit plastic use through substitution, reuse, recycling, and the promotion of a circular economy.

Plastic waste in oceans

Plastics are the most prevalent form of marine debris, originating from both land and ocean-based sources. Once in the water, plastic debris does not fully biodegrade. Over time, larger plastic items break down into microplastics, which are tiny plastic pieces less than 5 mm in diameter. These microplastics can absorb harmful pollutants like pesticides and release them back into the ocean, posing a significant threat to marine life.

One of the significant sources of plastic waste in oceans is improper waste disposal on land. Items like plastic water bottles, containers, and single-use bags are often discarded and not properly managed, eventually making their way into the ocean. Additionally, plastic waste can enter the ocean through sewer systems, street drains, and direct dumping by boaters.

The impact of plastic waste in oceans is far-reaching. Marine animals, such as sea turtles and seabirds, mistake floating plastic bags and pellets for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement. Abandoned fishing nets and other plastic debris can entangle and kill marine life, including birds, fish, and mammals.

To address the issue of plastic waste in oceans, a combination of individual actions and systemic changes is necessary. Individuals can reduce their plastic consumption, reuse and recycle plastic items, and properly dispose of waste. However, the key lies in implementing fundamental changes, such as banning single-use plastics, promoting compostable materials, and improving recycling infrastructure. Initiatives like Ocean Cleanup are making efforts to remove plastic waste from oceans, but a comprehensive approach is required to effectively tackle this global challenge.

Plastic waste reduction strategies

The amount of waste produced per person per day has been high but has shown signs of decrease in recent years. For instance, in 2015, individuals generated approximately 4.48 pounds of waste per person per day, a decline from previous years. While this waste includes many types of materials, plastic waste is a growing concern. In 2018, plastics made up 12.2% of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the United States, totalling 35.7 million tons.

Reduce Plastic Consumption

The first step in reducing plastic waste is to consume less plastic. Half of all plastic produced is for throwaway items that are used once and then discarded, such as grocery bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, straws, and coffee cup lids. Instead, opt for reusable alternatives like tote bags, cloth napkins, and reusable cutlery and straws. When shopping, bring your own reusable bags and try to buy items with minimal packaging.

Recycle and Reuse

Recycling is important to reduce the impact of plastic waste. However, it's essential to know which types of plastics can be recycled in your area, as not all plastics are accepted by community recycling programs. Check with your local recycling program or websites like Earth911.org's recycling directory to learn what can and cannot be recycled. Additionally, consider buying products made from recycled plastic materials, such as bubble wrap containing recycled plastic.

Properly Dispose of Plastic Waste

Some plastic items, like plastic bags, wrap, and film, cannot be placed in household recycling bins but can be recycled at specific locations. Contact your local grocery stores or visit websites like Earth911 to find these locations. For compostable plastics, ensure they are properly disposed of through community composting programs or drop-off locations to avoid contaminating the recycling stream.

Reduce Plastic Packaging

When buying products, opt for those with minimal plastic packaging. For example, if you buy drinks, choose bulk drink mixes and fill your own reusable bottles instead of purchasing multiple small drink bottles. You can also package your lunch in reusable containers instead of disposable ones.

Support Policies for Better Waste Management

Domestic policies to improve waste management are crucial in addressing plastic pollution. Advocate for policies that promote proper plastic waste management, recycling, and the development of infrastructure to handle plastic waste effectively. Richer countries can also contribute by investing in waste management infrastructure in low-to-middle-income countries, where plastic waste mismanagement is often higher.

Plastic waste recycling rates

Plastic waste is a growing segment of municipal solid waste (MSW). In 2018, plastics made up 12.2% of MSW in the United States, totalling 35.7 million tons. The containers and packaging category had the most plastic tonnage at over 14.5 million tons. This category includes bags, sacks, wraps, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and jars, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) natural bottles.

The recycling rate for plastic waste varies by material type and local facilities. In the United States, the recycling rate for post-consumer plastic waste was just 5-6% in 2021, according to a report by The Last Beach Clean Up and Beyond Plastics. This is in contrast to paper, which had a recycling rate of 66% in 2020. The low recycling rate for plastics is a global issue, with an estimated 1 to 2 million tons of plastic ending up in the ocean each year.

The failure of plastic recycling can be attributed to the durability and resistance to degradation of plastics, which pose significant challenges in waste management and recycling efforts. Additionally, the per capita generation of plastic waste has increased, with individuals generating approximately 4.48 pounds of waste per person per day in 2015, marking a decline from previous years.

To improve plastic waste recycling rates, it is essential to address the mismanagement of plastic waste, especially in low-to-middle-income countries. This includes implementing domestic policies for better waste management and investing in waste management infrastructure. Additionally, incorporating sustainable practices, such as using reusable bags and participating in clothing swaps, can help reduce plastic waste generation.

It is worth noting that while plastic production has sharply increased over the last 70 years, from 2 million tons in 1950 to over 450 million tons today, the world still produces a significant amount of plastic waste, estimated at around 350 million tons annually.

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