Omar Khalid
Plastic waste is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. While many high-income countries generate high amounts of plastic waste per person, they are also typically better at processing it safely. In contrast, middle-income and low-income countries that are still developing their infrastructure tend to produce a higher percentage of mismanaged waste plastic, which is more likely to end up in the ocean. Wealthier nations are offloading their environmental responsibilities onto less developed countries, which struggle to handle the waste due to a lack of infrastructure. The brunt of this plastic waste trade falls on developing nations like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Turkey, which lack the infrastructure and resources to manage the waste effectively. However, some developing countries are taking decisive action to curb plastic waste. For example, in 2016, China's overall plastic waste production fell by nearly 28 million tons, and it had one of the lowest per capita waste productions in the world that year. In 2019, Turkey banned single-use plastic bags and transitioned to reusable and paper bags. Local and volunteer-led efforts have also started in Russia to help combat plastic pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic waste generated globally in 2016 | 242 million tonnes |
| Plastic waste generated globally by 2050 | 26 billion metric tons |
| Plastic waste generated annually | 350 million tonnes |
| Plastic waste generated annually by 2034 | 700 million tonnes |
| Percentage of plastic waste that is single-use | 50% |
| Percentage of plastic waste that has been recycled | 9% |
| Plastic waste in oceans currently | 75-199 million tons |
| Plastic waste entering oceans annually | 15 million tons |
| Plastic waste in oceans by 2050 | More than fish |
| Plastic waste in the deepest parts of the ocean | Present |
| Marine species that have ingested plastic | 233 |
| Plastic waste in developing countries | Dumped in landfills, dumped in the ocean, incinerated, recycled for industry and manufacturing |
| Plastic waste in developing countries from rich countries | Twice as much as previously estimated |
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What You'll Learn
- Rich countries export twice as much plastic waste to developing countries
- Developing countries can now refuse plastic waste imports
- Plastic waste has economic benefits for developing countries
- Developing countries are victims of plastic injustice
- Developing countries face challenges with waste management
Rich countries export twice as much plastic waste to developing countries
Wealthier nations have long been exporting their plastic waste to poorer countries, and the scale of this trade is much larger than previously thought. An independent team of experts has revealed that high-income countries are inundating the developing world with much more plastic than estimated. This is due to the presence of ""hidden" plastics in textiles, contaminated paper bales, and other categories, which are not accounted for in the United Nations data on the global waste trade. As a result, the amount of plastic exported from regions like the European Union, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States to poorer countries is more than double the previously estimated figure.
This plastic waste trade has significant environmental and public health risks for the developing world. The large influx of plastic waste strains the waste management infrastructure of these countries, resulting in plastic ending up in dumps, landfills, or incinerators. The burning of plastic waste causes hazardous air pollution, and the chemicals from plastics can leach into the soil and water supplies, causing toxic health risks for nearby communities.
Developing countries often lack the proper waste infrastructure to manage the influx of plastic waste, leading to improper disposal and pollution of their land and sea. Additionally, the plastic waste from wealthier countries is often mixed or soiled, making it difficult to recycle, and it ends up dumped in landfills or the ocean. This trade in plastic waste perpetuates environmental injustices and places a disproportionate burden on developing countries to deal with the waste generated by richer nations.
However, some researchers have found a potential economic bright side to this seemingly unequal trade. A study by Yikang Bai and Sara Zaske of Washington State University (WSU) found that plastic waste imports are associated with economic development in developing countries. The study analyzed data from the United Nations and the World Bank, looking at economic variables and trade information on common plastic wastes. It showed that some plastic waste is being purchased, repurposed, and recycled in developing countries, providing economic benefits. Nonetheless, the authors emphasized that plastic waste remains a significant problem, especially for developing countries, as most of it is not recycled and continues to negatively affect the environment.
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Developing countries can now refuse plastic waste imports
Plastic waste is a significant issue for developing countries, as the majority of it is not recycled and even the plastic that is recycled still ends up harming the environment. Richer countries tend to produce the most plastic waste per person and have better systems for managing it. As a result, they frequently transport their plastic waste to poorer countries, which do not have the necessary infrastructure to handle it properly.
In 2020, a new provision was implemented, requiring developing countries to be informed if plastics are included in a waste shipment. This provision, proposed by Norway, gives countries the right to "prior informed consent", allowing them to refuse shipments of low-value, hard-to-recycle plastics with the backing of international law. This decision applies to plastics that are soiled or mixed together, such as food packaging or single-use water bottles, which are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills.
The ability of developing countries to refuse plastic waste imports is a step towards a fairer system and can slow the accumulation of pollution in these countries. It may also encourage wealthier nations to develop more effective domestic solutions for managing their plastic waste and reduce their reliance on exporting it to other countries.
China's decision to ban the import of cheap and contaminated plastics in 2018 significantly impacted the global trade of plastic scrap. Previously, China imported nearly half of the world's scrap plastic and paper. Following China's ban, countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand have been bearing a heavier burden of plastic waste. However, some developing countries are making efforts to address this issue. For example, Malaysia's environment minister announced in 2019 that the country was returning 3,000 metric tons of contaminated plastic waste to their countries of origin, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
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Plastic waste has economic benefits for developing countries
Plastic waste has been a long-standing issue, with the world generating over 350 million tons of plastic waste annually, and this figure is expected to double by 2034. Of this waste, only 9% is recycled, with the remaining plastic ending up in landfills or polluting the environment. While wealthy nations have historically transported their plastic waste to poorer countries, creating environmental issues, researchers have recently discovered a potential silver lining to this seemingly unequal trade.
A study conducted by Yikang Bai of Washington State University and Jennifer Givens of Utah State University analyzed 11 years of data on the global plastics trade against economic measures for 85 countries. The study revealed that the import of plastic waste was correlated with increased gross domestic product per capita in lower-income countries. This indicates that plastic waste may offer an economic benefit to developing countries, despite the environmental challenges it poses.
The researchers emphasized the complexity of global plastic waste trading and acknowledged that reducing environmental harm from plastics would require collective efforts from both high-income and lower-income countries. They also highlighted the need for developed countries to improve their domestic plastic waste management and reduce their reliance on exporting waste to other nations.
While the study did not determine how developing countries were utilizing the imported plastic waste, it is speculated that some of the plastic is being recycled for industrial and manufacturing purposes. There is also evidence of lower-income countries trading plastic waste among themselves regionally. Despite the economic benefits, it is important to remember that plastic waste remains a significant problem, especially for developing countries, and that most plastic waste still ends up in the environment, contributing to pollution.
In conclusion, while the import of plastic waste may provide economic advantages to developing countries, it is crucial to address the environmental concerns associated with plastic pollution. This includes improving recycling infrastructure, reducing plastic consumption, and encouraging the use of alternative materials to minimize the environmental footprint of plastic waste globally.
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Developing countries are victims of plastic injustice
Wealthier nations have been criticised for turning developing countries into dump sites for their plastic waste. While the trade in plastic waste generates US$200 billion annually, it also contributes to the plastic pollution crisis. The world currently produces over 350 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with 50% being single-use plastic, and only 9% ever recycled. This waste is often shipped to countries that lack the capacity to manage it properly, resulting in pollution and environmental degradation.
Developing countries face significant challenges in waste management due to changing consumption patterns, growing populations, and increased urbanisation. Single-use plastic leaks into the environment, including the marine environment, at an unprecedented rate. While some developing countries recycle plastic waste for use in industry and manufacturing, most of it ends up in landfills or the environment. The complex global trade of plastic waste makes it difficult to track and regulate.
To address this injustice, developing countries now have the right to refuse shipments of plastic waste with the backing of international law. This decision applies to low-value, hard-to-recycle plastics, such as food packaging and single-use water bottles. By refusing these shipments, developing countries can slow the build-up of plastic pollution on their shores and reduce the environmental and health risks associated with it. Additionally, developing countries can focus on improving their waste collection systems and exploring partnerships with local municipalities to ensure responsible waste management.
To reduce the environmental harms associated with plastic waste, it is essential to produce and use less plastic. Wealthier nations should also create better systems for processing plastic waste domestically instead of exporting it to developing countries. Individual contributions, such as sorting waste at the source and reducing consumption, can also help address the plastic crisis.
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Developing countries face challenges with waste management
Developing countries face several challenges when it comes to waste management. Firstly, the rapid urbanization and population growth in these countries have led to a significant increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation. This waste includes excessive packaging and plastic consumption due to the influence of global consumer products and limited regulations. Cultural norms and practices in some developing nations, such as burning waste or open dumping, further contribute to the waste management challenge.
Secondly, developing countries often lack the necessary infrastructure and financial resources to manage waste effectively. They may not have access to the latest waste management technologies or the funds to invest in infrastructure, equipment, and personnel. This results in inefficient waste management systems and a lack of recycling facilities, leading to higher levels of trash and pollution.
Additionally, the complexity of the global trading system for plastic waste exacerbates the issue. Wealthy nations have historically exported their plastic waste to poorer countries, taking advantage of cheaper recycling costs. However, this has resulted in a deluge of plastics ending up in developing countries that lack the capacity to process them properly, leading to environmental degradation and pollution.
Furthermore, the lack of systematic and targeted orientation in waste management policies and the challenges in implementing effective solutions contribute to the issue. While some countries have made efforts to improve waste management and adopt sustainable practices, the lack of adequate infrastructure, recycling facilities, and waste reduction strategies remains prevalent in many developing nations.
To address these challenges, developing countries can focus on waste sorting at the source, optimizing landfill practices, implementing thermal treatment measures, and exploring the potential of waste biorefineries. Additionally, legislation and enforcement of waste management regulations, including penalties for littering and illegal dumping, can help deter improper waste disposal practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Many developing countries are recycling plastic, but it is difficult to say exactly how much. Some evidence suggests that lower-income countries are trading plastic waste among themselves regionally. For instance, Nairobi, Kenya, hosted the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
Plastic waste has some economic benefit for developing countries. It is purchased and repurposed before being thrown away, and it is likely that some of the plastic is recycled for use in industry and manufacturing.
Plastic waste strains developing countries' waste management infrastructure, leading to large quantities of plastic waste ending up in dumps, landfills, or incinerators. Burning this waste causes hazardous air pollution for nearby communities, and dumps and landfills can leach toxic chemicals into the soil and water supplies.
Rich countries produce the most plastic waste in the world per person and have better systems for managing it. They often export their plastic waste to poorer countries with weaker recycling capacity.
Developing countries can now refuse shipments of plastic waste with the backing of international law. Countries, cities, and businesses must also find their "position" within three high-level "solutions": ban single-use plastics, replace petroleum-based single-use plastics with alternative bio-benign materials, or improve waste collection coverage and send all collected waste to appropriate end-of-pipe treatment facilities.
