Alexei Volkov
Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, with plastic waste causing harm to marine life and ecosystems. Improper waste management, including unregulated landfills, contributes to plastic pollution in oceans, with predictions that plastic will outweigh fish in the sea by 2050. While some countries, like China, have banned the importation of foreign waste, the recycling industry faces challenges in effectively managing and reducing plastic waste. Communities are exploring alternative solutions, such as community-led waste management systems and recycling businesses, to address the plastic waste crisis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main source of plastic pollution in oceans | Poorly regulated dumpsites that overflow directly into the ocean |
| Plastic pollution by 2020 | Tenfold increase in the amount of plastic in the oceans |
| Plastic pollution by 2050 | Marine plastic will outweigh the fish in the sea |
| Impact of mismanaged waste by 2025 | Dump sites and landfills will account for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions |
| Plastic waste management | Communities need strategies to address and track other waste like metals and hazardous materials |
| Plastic usage reduction | Use of community-led waste management systems and recycling businesses |
| Plastic recycling | Use of recycled plastic bottles for bottled water |
| Plastic waste export | Waste is exported to countries with the highest levels of ocean plastic pollution |
| Plastic waste import ban | China, Poland, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia |
| Plastic waste management | Encouraging the use of recycled products |
| Plastic waste impact | Plastic debris traps animals, microscopic plastic particles are absorbed by fish that humans eat |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic pollution in oceans
The primary sources of plastic pollution in oceans are improperly managed waste and inadequate waste management systems. Landfills that fail to contain waste within their limits contribute significantly to this issue, with many dumpsites overflowing directly into nearby waterways and oceans. Additionally, the absence of waste management services in numerous small cities, towns, and villages worldwide forces residents to dispose of their trash in communal areas or natural environments, exacerbating the problem.
The impact of plastic pollution in oceans is devastating for marine life. Marine animals, such as seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other mammals, are killed through ingestion of plastic or entanglement in derelict fishing nets and other plastic debris. Plastic pollution also affects the reproduction of some species, with plastic ingestion reducing the storage volume of the stomach, leading to starvation.
To address this crisis, immediate and deliberate action is required. Efforts should focus on pressuring governments and local officials to improve the management of plastic waste and providing support for community-led waste management systems in areas lacking sufficient infrastructure. Additionally, reducing plastic consumption and increasing recycling practices are crucial. The Center for Biological Diversity is actively working to regulate plastics as a pollutant and push for plastic pollution to be treated as hazardous waste.
The ocean is inundated with plastic, and the problem is only growing. With the proper initiatives and global cooperation, we can work towards mitigating this crisis and preserving the health of our oceans and marine life.
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Poorly regulated dumpsites
The lack of regulation and monitoring at these dumpsites means that hazardous waste and chemicals can contaminate surrounding soil, water sources, and even food supplies. For example, in Turkey, which became a major recipient of European plastic waste, energy-intensive and polluting processes were used to turn plastic waste into shoddy home goods and polyester for the garment industry. The recycling process can also release toxins, which can have negative consequences for human health and the environment.
Communities near illegal dumpsites often face the risk of toxic runoff and exposure to hazardous waste. In addition, illegal dumpsites can fuel organized crime, human rights violations, and child labour. For instance, in Turkey, a Kurdish farmer's land was used as a dumpsite, with the trash being set on fire, causing severe environmental damage.
To address the issue of poorly regulated dumpsites, it is crucial to advocate for tighter controls on the global trade in plastic waste. This includes pushing for binding plastic reduction targets and a ban on plastic waste exports from high-income countries to developing nations. At a local level, individuals can report illegal dumping to local authorities and support community clean-up efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of these dumpsites.
Furthermore, the absence of proper waste management services in many small cities, towns, and villages worldwide exacerbates the problem. This lack of infrastructure forces people to dump their trash into communal areas, contributing to the proliferation of poorly regulated dumpsites. To address this issue, it is essential to empower communities to set up their own waste management systems and recycling businesses, as promoted by Waste Aid International.
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Lack of waste management services
Plastic waste is a pressing global issue, with 367 million metric tons of plastic waste produced in 2020. The lack of waste management services in many parts of the world exacerbates this problem. This lack of infrastructure leads to improper disposal, such as dumping in communal areas or uncontrolled sites, and contributes to plastic pollution in our oceans and the environment.
The absence of waste management services is particularly acute in low-to-middle-income countries, where waste management infrastructure is often inadequate. As a result, these countries experience higher levels of mismanaged waste, which refers to waste that is not recycled, incinerated, or disposed of in sealed landfills. Mismanaged waste is at risk of leaking into the environment, with plastic debris ending up in oceans and waterways.
The consequences of mismanaged waste are severe. Plastic pollution harms marine wildlife, with animals becoming trapped or ingesting plastic debris and microscopic plastic particles being absorbed by fish consumed by humans. Furthermore, mismanaged landfills contribute to global warming, with dump sites and landfills expected to account for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.
The scale of the problem demands immediate action. While reducing plastic waste generation is essential, it is equally crucial to address the existing waste through improved waste management strategies. This includes providing access to proper collection and disposal services, raising awareness about sustainable practices, and investing in recycling technologies and infrastructure.
Community-led initiatives, such as those proposed by Waste Aid International, can play a vital role in filling the gap where local authorities fall short. Their toolkit empowers communities to set up their own waste management systems and recycling businesses, helping to keep their local areas clean while also providing income opportunities.
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Recycling and reusing waste
Plastic recycling is the process of converting plastic waste into other products. Recycling can reduce the need for landfills, conserve resources, and protect the environment from plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. However, the recycling rates for plastic lag behind those of other materials such as aluminium, glass, and paper. From the beginning of plastic production up to 2015, the world generated approximately 6.3 billion tonnes of plastic waste, with only 9% recycled and only 1% recycled more than once.
Recycling and reusing plastic waste is essential to reducing plastic pollution and its harmful effects on the environment and human health. Plastic pollution is a significant issue, with plastic debris trapping and sickening marine animals and microscopic plastic particles being consumed by fish that later end up in the human food chain. Improperly managed waste, including landfills that fail to contain waste within their limits, is a major contributor to plastic pollution in oceans and waterways. Thirty-eight of the world's fifty largest uncontrolled dumpsites are in coastal areas, and by 2050, marine plastic is predicted to outweigh fish in the sea if no action is taken.
Individuals can play a crucial role in recycling and reusing plastic waste. It is important to understand recycling labels on plastic packaging to sort and recycle waste correctly, preventing contamination in recycling bins. When in doubt, individuals can check local guidelines or contact their recycling provider for clarification. Reusing plastic items before recycling them is also beneficial, as it reduces the demand for new plastics. For example, plastic bags can be reused for multiple shopping trips or repurposed as trash liners, and plastic containers can be used for storage.
Businesses can also contribute significantly to recycling and reusing plastic waste. Grocery stores, retailers, and distribution centres that generate large amounts of plastic film can benefit economically and environmentally by recycling this material instead of sending it to landfills. For instance, industrial shrink wrap used in packaging can be recycled and is highly demanded by manufacturers as a raw material. Additionally, companies can promote recycling within their communities by collecting plastic bags and film for recycling or supporting local recycling programs.
On a larger scale, governments play a pivotal role in encouraging and regulating recycling and reusing practices. Federal and state governments can set standards, provide regulatory support, and establish a circular economy to promote the recycling and reuse of plastic waste. For instance, China's ban on foreign waste disrupted the global recycling system and forced countries to improve their domestic recycling practices and environmental standards. Similarly, Australia's recycling industry is advocating for government support to increase onshore waste processing, create more waste-industry jobs, and promote the use of recycled materials in new products.
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Plastic waste exports
In recent years, some countries have reduced their plastic waste exports. For example, Germany decreased exports by 6%, and the US by 28%. However, other countries have increased their exports, such as Japan (7%), Canada (10%), and the Netherlands (69% in the past four years). The Dutch government, like the UK, opposes a total ban on plastic waste exports.
The plastic waste exported by wealthy nations often ends up in developing countries that are ill-equipped to handle it properly. Countries like India, China, the Philippines, and Brazil mismanage millions of tonnes of plastic waste annually. China dominated the plastic waste import market for three decades, importing 72.4% of all plastic waste worldwide. However, in 2018, China implemented the National Sword, banning the importation of foreign waste. This caused a shift in the global recycling system, with other countries, particularly in Asia, taking on more waste.
Some countries that previously accepted negligible amounts of plastic waste, such as Angola, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan, now receive thousands of tonnes. Turkey and Vietnam have also significantly increased their plastic waste imports. Wealthier countries like the Netherlands, Belgium, the US, and Denmark have also upped their imports, but the burden has primarily fallen on relatively poorer nations.
The social and environmental harms caused by plastic waste exports are evident. There is often a lack of accountability for the final fate of plastic waste shipments, leading to improper disposal and harm to communities and the environment. To address this, the Basel Convention Plastic Waste Amendments were introduced in 2021 to restrict exports of plastic waste.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic rubbish often ends up in landfills, which can overflow directly into waterways and oceans, causing plastic pollution.
Plastic pollution harms marine wildlife, as animals can get trapped in plastic debris or eat it and fall sick. Microscopic plastic particles can also be absorbed by fish that are later consumed by humans.
Governments should be pressured to improve the management of plastic waste. Communities can also implement strategies to address and track plastic waste, as well as reduce plastic consumption.
Supermarket giant Coles uses recycled plastic bottles for its home-brand bottled water, saving 3,000 tonnes of new plastic. Australian recycling company Visy also produces plastic bottles made from 100% recycled plastic.
Plastic waste is often shipped overseas to developing nations, which may lack effective waste management infrastructure. Additionally, the recycling industry faces challenges due to the high costs and environmental concerns associated with improper waste management.
