Chloe Zhang
Plastic is a cheap and versatile material used in a variety of applications, including food packaging, construction, home appliances, and medical instruments. However, when plastic waste is not properly managed through recycling, incineration, or sealed landfills, it becomes an environmental pollutant. As one of the world's largest consumers of plastics, the United States plays a significant role in contributing to the global plastic waste problem. In 2019, the US generated an estimated 73 million metric tons of plastic waste, which is roughly five times the global average per capita. While domestic plastic recycling rates have stagnated, the US has also been criticized for exporting its plastic waste to other countries, such as the Philippines and Turkey, leading to concerns about contamination and improper waste management. With plastic production and demand continuing to rise, addressing plastic waste management through policies like the Basel Convention is crucial to mitigating environmental impacts.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic waste shipped overseas
Plastic waste is a growing global concern. In 2018, 35.7 million tons of plastic were generated in the United States, with 27 million tons of this waste ending up in landfills. The US has been shipping its plastic waste overseas for decades, with much of it ending up in Asia due to the economic viability of returning empty shipping containers to China.
However, in 2017, China implemented a ban on accepting foreign plastic waste, citing environmental and health concerns. This led to a shift in the US's plastic waste exports, with Southeast Asian countries becoming the new primary recipients. Malaysia, in particular, has become the biggest recipient of US plastic waste since the China ban.
The Philippines is another country that has seen a significant increase in US plastic waste shipments. About 120 shipping containers filled with plastic scrap from US cities like Los Angeles and New York are arriving in Manila and Subic Bay each month. This has raised concerns among residents in affected areas, who complain about the increasing pollution and its impact on their health and the environment.
The US's plastic waste exports are governed by various international agreements and regulations, such as the Basel Convention, which controls the transboundary movement of most plastic scrap and waste. While the US is not a party to the Basel Convention, its exports are still subject to the regulations of the importing country and any applicable international agreements. For example, the US has bilateral agreements with Malaysia and the Philippines that cover the transboundary shipment of hazardous waste under specific terms.
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Plastic waste in landfills
The disposal of plastic waste in landfills has raised environmental and health concerns. One of the primary concerns is the formation and spread of microplastics (MPs), which can be transported by air and leachate to surrounding environments. As plastic degrades, it breaks down into smaller particles, including MPs, which can then enter aquatic ecosystems, especially if landfills are located near waterways. The release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through the degradation of plastic waste is another concern, posing risks to both the environment and human health.
Additionally, the presence of MPs in the environment can lead to the accumulation of non-biodegradable pollutants, further exacerbating health risks. The long-term degradation of plastic waste in landfills can have potential negative effects, such as the destabilization of the structural stability of the landfill. There is also the issue of significant greenhouse gas emissions from plastic waste in landfills.
To address these concerns, there is a growing focus on improving waste management practices and policies. Microbial degradation, where certain microorganisms and enzymes can degrade synthetic plastics, is an innovative approach that has been identified. Recycling and reusing plastic materials is also crucial, with companies like BASF partnering with academic institutions to develop recycling programs and take-back programs. However, the complexity of the global plastic recycling network, which spans oceans and continents, presents challenges in ensuring responsible waste management practices.
While landfills are designed to prevent any exchange with the surrounding environment, the long-term persistence of plastic waste and the potential negative effects of degradation highlight the urgency of implementing improved waste management solutions and reducing the use of unnecessary single-use plastic.
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Plastic waste burned for energy
Plastic waste is a growing problem in the United States, with plastic generation reaching 35.7 million tons in 2018, accounting for 12.2% of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation. While recycling is one way to manage plastic waste, another method is to burn plastic waste for energy.
Burning plastic waste for energy is a process known as waste-to-energy or Energy from Waste (EfW). It involves incinerating plastic waste to generate heat and electricity. In 2018, the total amount of plastics combusted in MSW in the United States was 5.6 million tons, representing 16.3% of all MSW combusted with energy recovery that year. This amount is likely to increase as the waste-to-energy sector is expected to grow, especially in the Asia Pacific region.
Proponents of burning plastic waste for energy argue that it is better to recover energy from non-recyclable waste through incineration than to send it to landfills. Incineration can reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, which can create greenhouse gases if not captured. Additionally, burning plastic waste can substitute for burning dirty fossil fuels like oil or coal, potentially reducing the use of these non-renewable energy sources.
However, there are also concerns about the environmental and health impacts of burning plastic waste for energy. One issue is the release of harmful dioxins and heavy metals into the environment if incinerators are inefficient. While modern incinerators have largely addressed this problem, there are still concerns about air pollution and the health impacts on nearby communities. Additionally, the process of incineration itself requires energy and contributes to the carbon footprint of plastic waste.
Another consideration is the recyclability of plastics. Recycling plastic waste saves more energy than burning it, as it reduces the need to extract and process new fossil fuels into plastic. However, the recycling rates for plastic waste in the United States are low, at around 9%. Product manufacturers prefer new plastic due to higher material quality, lower costs, and supply certainty, contributing to weak demand for recycled plastic.
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Plastic waste in the ocean
The United States, in particular, faces challenges in managing its plastic waste effectively. While recycling efforts are made, the US has also been criticized for exporting a significant portion of its plastic waste to other countries, particularly in Asia, where recycling costs are lower. However, since China's ban on importing foreign plastic waste in 2017, the US has struggled to find alternative solutions, leading to concerns about the proper disposal of this waste.
The impact of plastic waste on marine ecosystems is devastating. Once in the water, plastic debris does not fully biodegrade but breaks down into smaller pieces called microplastics, which can be found in beach sand and the ocean. Marine life can become entangled in plastic debris, leading to injuries and death. Additionally, animals often mistake microplastics for food, causing ingestion and potential health risks.
To address this issue, it is crucial to focus on waste management and reducing plastic consumption. Implementing waste collection and recycling programs globally can help tackle ocean plastic pollution and bring about additional benefits, such as improved public health and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Organizations like Ocean Conservancy are dedicated to working with various sectors and partners to stop plastic pollution at its source and promote policies that reduce the production and use of unnecessary single-use plastics.
While the situation is dire, there is hope for positive change. By improving waste management strategies, reducing plastic consumption, and supporting the development of sustainable alternatives, we can make significant strides in combating plastic waste in the ocean.
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Plastic recycling
Plastic waste is a growing problem in the United States, with the country generating more plastic waste per capita than anywhere else in the world. In 2018, the U.S. generated 35.7 million tons of plastic, which increased to an estimated 73 million metric tons in 2019. This is roughly five times the global average per capita and the amount of waste generated is only projected to increase, with an estimated 140 million metric tons predicted by 2060.
The U.S. does not currently have the capacity to recycle all of its plastic waste domestically, and as a result, it has been shipping its plastic waste overseas. Since China banned the import of all but the cleanest plastics in 2017, other countries, such as Malaysia, have become the biggest recipients of U.S. plastic waste. However, many of these countries already struggle to manage their own plastic waste and often mismanage it, leading to further environmental concerns.
The plastic waste that is recycled goes through a complex process. First, it is sorted into bales based on its type and then sold to buyers who will melt it down, turn it into pellets, and make those pellets into something new.
There is a growing recognition among Americans that plastic waste pollution is a serious problem requiring immediate action. Organizations such as Oceana and WWF are working to reduce plastic pollution and increase recycling rates through policy changes and corporate accountability. The American Chemistry Council's Plastics Division is also working towards more sustainable practices, with a goal of having 100% of U.S. plastic packaging be reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic waste in the USA is either recycled, combusted with energy recovery, or sent to landfills. In 2018, the USA recycled 3 million tons of plastic, combusted 5.6 million tons, and sent 27 million tons to landfills.
The USA generates more plastic waste than anywhere else in the world, with plastic waste affecting American rivers, coastlines, landscapes, and communities. Plastic pollution is a serious environmental crisis, threatening biodiversity and the health of marine life and humans.
The USA has been criticized for exporting large quantities of plastic waste to other countries, particularly those with poor waste management systems. However, there is growing support for legislative action and corporate accountability to reduce plastic pollution.
The challenges include the complex and global nature of the recycling industry, the lack of public awareness about the fate of their trash, and the limited infrastructure and regulations in some countries receiving US plastic waste.
Individuals can support countries struggling with plastic waste management, reduce single-use plastic consumption, and advocate for legislative action to hold producers and manufacturers accountable for plastic pollution.
