The World's Unused Plastic Problem: A Global Crisis

Plastic is a rapidly growing segment of municipal solid waste (MSW). Since the 1950s, the world has produced over nine billion metric tons of plastic, with more than half of it being brought to market after 2000. In 2019, the world produced more than 460 million metric tons of plastic, double the amount produced in 2000. While plastic serves many important purposes, such as in construction, home appliances, medical instruments, and food packaging, it becomes an environmental pollutant when mismanaged. Annually, one to two million tons of plastic enter our oceans, and plastic waste affects the health of communities across the globe.

Plastic waste in the ocean

The plastic waste problem in our oceans is a result of increasing consumption and improper waste management practices. While people in high-income countries consume the most plastic, effective waste management systems keep much of it out of the natural environment. In contrast, lower-income countries may have inadequate waste management infrastructure, leading to higher emissions. However, most plastic emissions come from middle-income countries, where plastic usage is growing rapidly.

The impact of plastic waste in the ocean is devastating for marine life and ecosystems. Plastic debris, including abandoned fishing nets, breaks down into microplastics, which can absorb harmful pollutants. Marine animals mistake these microplastics for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement, which causes injury and mortality. Dead seabirds, whales, and endangered species like Hawaiian monk seals have been found with stomachs full of plastic.

To address this crisis, local and global organizations are working on cleanup efforts and advocating for policy changes. The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) has adopted a resolution to negotiate a legally binding international instrument on plastic pollution. Additionally, organizations like The Ocean Cleanup are identifying sources of mismanaged waste leakage to maximize the impact of their cleanup efforts. Reducing plastic consumption and proper waste disposal are crucial in preventing further plastic pollution in our oceans.

Plastic recycling rates

In 2018, the overall plastic recycling rate in the United States was approximately 8.7%, amounting to three million tons of recycled plastic out of 35.7 million tons of plastic generated in the country that year. This highlights a concerning trend, as the recycling rate for specific types of plastic containers, such as PET bottles and jars, and HDPE natural bottles, achieved higher recycling rates of 29.1% and 29.3%, respectively, in the same year.

The EPA's data also reveals that in 2018, 5.6 million tons of plastic were combusted as part of MSW, accounting for 16.3% of all MSW combusted with energy recovery. Additionally, landfills received a significant amount, with 27 million tons of plastic, representing 18.5% of all MSW landfilled in 2018.

Despite efforts to improve plastic recycling, recent reports indicate that the US plastic recycling rate has declined further in recent years. The Last Beach Clean Up and Beyond Plastics' report revealed a recycling rate of just 5-6% for post-consumer plastic waste in the US in 2021. This decline in plastic recycling contrasts with the recycling rates of other materials, such as paper, which had a 66% recycling rate in 2020, as reported by the American Forest and Products Association.

Plastic production by country

While I can't find a precise answer to how much unused plastic there is in the world, I can provide some data on the production and waste management of plastics.

Plastic production has seen exponential growth since 1950, reaching 390.7 million metric tons in 2021. This growth is influenced by the market share and innovations in plastic manufacturing. The United States contributed around USD 15.4 billion, or 21% of the global plastic market in 2019, with China in second place with USD 13.8 billion.

The price of plastics is also increasing, with Polypropylene (PP) valued at USD 115.83 billion in 2021, predicted to reach USD 153 billion in 2029. The market size value for plastics worldwide is expected to reach USD 810 billion by 2030.

The production of plastics is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and plastic pollution, especially in oceans and landfills. While some countries are exploring bioplastics and sustainable alternatives, the environmental impact of plastic manufacturing remains a critical issue.

In 2018, the United States generated 35.7 million tons of plastics, with a relatively small amount (3 million tons) being recycled. The recycling rate for PET bottles and jars was 29.1% in 2018, while for HDPE natural bottles, it was slightly higher at 29.3%.

Other countries with plastic production data include Brazil, Japan, Mexico, and Slovakia, although the specific production quantities are not provided in the sources.

Plastic waste management

The first step in managing plastic waste is to reduce its generation. This can be achieved by promoting reusable alternatives, encouraging recycling and composting, and supporting initiatives that focus on eliminating plastic pollution. For instance, the EPA's "National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution" aims to address the release of plastic pollution into the environment.

Once plastic waste is generated, proper collection and disposal systems are essential to prevent contamination of the air, soil, and water. This includes providing access to controlled disposal services and regular waste collection for the 3 billion people who currently lack these basic services. Additionally, improving waste management systems and increasing recycling rates are crucial. While the overall amount of recycled plastics is relatively small, the recycling rates for specific types of plastic containers, such as PET bottles and HDPE natural bottles, are more significant.

To enhance recycling rates and strengthen waste management systems, countries can adopt various policies and strategies. The "Plastic Waste Management Framework" report by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and Roland Berger offers insights into potential solutions. These include Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Systems (DRS), and the informal "waste picker" sector, which can be tailored to each country's circumstances and resources.

Furthermore, international cooperation and agreements play a vital role in regulating plastic waste management. The Basel Convention, for example, is the first international agreement to directly address plastic pollution, providing guidance on environmentally sound management.

Plastic microplastics

Plastic is one of the most common types of waste in the world, with a wide variety of resins used in container and packaging products, such as beverage bottles, bags, sacks, wraps, and lids. In 2018, the United States generated 35.7 million tons of plastic, with only 3 million tons recycled.

Plastic pollution is a significant issue, with plastic debris ending up in our oceans and waterways. Plastic debris can come in various shapes and sizes, but those smaller than 5mm in length are called "microplastics". These microplastics can come from larger plastic pieces that break down into smaller fragments, resin pellets used in manufacturing, or microbeads found in health and beauty products.

Microplastics are a pressing environmental concern as they can pass through water filtration systems and accumulate in the ocean, posing a threat to aquatic life. Aquatic organisms and birds may mistake these tiny plastic particles for food, leading to potential health risks. Research in this field is ongoing, and standardized methods for collecting microplastic samples are being developed to facilitate global comparisons and better understand the impacts of microplastics.

Microplastics have also been detected in various food products, including seafood, rice, salt, sugar, bottled water, and even tea brewed in plastic tea bags. While the US Food and Drug Administration asserts that current evidence does not indicate a risk to human health, the presence of microplastics in our food systems is concerning. Efforts to reduce exposure include switching to loose-leaf tea, using stainless steel or glass containers for water, and choosing food packaged in glass or cardboard.

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