Plastic waste problem pdf

The problems associated with inadequate management of the wastes were. Plastic pollution is caused by the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment. There are a few numbers of plastic waste recycling companies in a fewer number. Overview world environment day is the uns most important day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. Olive, 160 people lost their job triangle business journal 2008. In order to manage waste, the environmental protection agency epa and the solid waste act favor an integrated solid waste management strategy that includes 1 reducing the amount. Although recently there has been a slight decrease in plastic production, this is unlikely to be. Pdf plastic waste problem and education for plastic waste. Harmful effects of plastic waste disposal sciencing. Last year, a dead sperm whale washed ashore in spain. Since it began in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries. If one day, biodegradable plastics or other more environmentally viable.

Plastic waste is expected to quadruple from 2010 to 2050 and global recycling capacity will only cover of the waste. Plastics waste is hurting the chemical industry as well as the environment. It can be categorized in primary plastics, such as cigarette butts and bottle caps, or secondary plastics, resulting from the degradation of the primary ones. Aug 28, 2019 however, these baby steps are unlikely to even begin making a dent, given the gravity of the problem. Canadas current plastic waste management system proves to be a lost economic opportunity 86 per cent of plastic waste goes to landfills, representing a loss of nearly cad 8 billion, which is expected to increase to over cad 11 billion by 2030. Plastics are persistent largescale pollutants, and plastic debris such as bottles, straws, containers, and plastic wrap and particulates have been found in many environmental niches, from. If one day, biodegradable plastics or other more environmentally viable materials replace traditional plastics, millions of. Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic objects and particles e. Dec 10, 2017 the same study, published in the journal science in 2015, surveyed 192 coastal countries contributing to ocean plastic waste, and found that asian nations were of the 20 biggest contributors. Microsoft powerpoint plastic waste management author. On average europeans produce 481 kilogrammes of municipal waste per year. Worlds plastic waste problem now predicted to reach 111.

Eduardo leals plastic sea raises awareness about plastic pollution by focusing on hundreds of pieces of plastic that wash ashore at a remote beach in colombia. The united states only recycle 14% of its waste, the rest goes to landfills. New materials and more recycling, along with simply avoiding unnecessary uses of the stuff, are the longterm solutions to the plastic waste problem. By 2030, an estimated 111 million metric tons of singleuse drink bottles, food containers and other plastic junk will be displaced because of chinas new policy, according to a new paper from university of georgia researchers. Every minute, about a dumptruck load of plastic goes into the oceans, sullying beaches, hurting. Indias plastic waste crisis is too big, even for modi. Plastic pollution, harmful accumulation of synthetic plastic products in the environment. Waste plastic, the challenge facing developing countries. Plastic pollution primer action toolkit e r da e tw r k plastic pollution is one of the most important environmental problems that we face today. The billions upon billions of items of plastic waste choking our oceans, lakes, and rivers and piling up on land is more than unsightly and harmful to plants and wildlife. Plastic pollution in the sea is a symptom of a more systemic issue originating on land and related to the design, the use and the disposal of plastic items, particularly singleuse packaging.

Dec 10, 2019 waste is not only an environmental problem, but also an economic loss. The amount of garbage in the world increases as the population grows. Giant scourge plastic accounts for 8% of the total solid waste generated in the country. It consists of all sizes of plastics, with larger pieces taking at least 400 years to. Plastics that act as pollutants are categorized into micro, meso, or macro debris, based on size. By tying together aspects of fundamental survival, e. How throwaway plastic is failing to solve europes food waste problem and what we need to do instead. Plastic waste disposal harms the environment and poses threat to human health. Plastic pollution facts and information environment. Plastic waste is ubiquitous and is reported from arctic to antarctic, from the surface to sediment. Plastic pollution is most visible in developing asian and african nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or nonexistent. A study of plastic waste management effectiveness in indonesia.

This large amount of plastic waste enters the environment, with studies suggesting that the bodies of 90% of seabirds contain plastic debris. To reduce it, a key priority is to focus on interventions and stewardship to help reduce the quantity of plastic waste generated by society and the. New technologies and approaches could transform waste plastic from a problem into a huge opportunity. If nothing is done, it is estimated that this figure will rise to 80 million metric tonnes a year by 2025.

Clearly different species ingest different types and sizes of plastic debris. Plastics are inexpensive and durable, and as a result levels of plastic production by. Plastic waste has the additional complication of spanning many policy areas, such as marine management, coastal management, waste management and the regulation of chemicals. The firstever european strategy for plastics in a circular economy adopted on january 2018 will transform the way plastic products are designed, used, produced and recycled in the eu. Plastic waste news, research and analysis the conversation. Find out its causes and effects, innovative solutions and how you can contribute to stop it.

Institute for european environmental policy ieep, brussels. This discrepancy is known as the missing plastic problem. The following articles are provided as pdf downloads. Plastics in the oceans surface waters is several orders of magnitude lower than annual ocean plastic inputs. The same study, published in the journal science in 2015, surveyed 192 coastal countries contributing to ocean plastic waste, and found that asian nations were of the 20 biggest contributors. This page summarises reports, scientific papers and news articles that detail the devasting impacts plastics and litter are having on our oceans and waterways. This has now been replaced by plastic waste management and handling rules, 2011. Unsightly plastic bottles, bags and other trash give just a hint of the largely unseen problem of plastic pollution. The world currently generates 300 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, without the capacity, infrastructure and collective willpower needed to sustainably manage it.

Waste is not only an environmental problem, but also an economic loss. The mention of enzymes to tackle the polymer waste problem means this is a useful crosscurricular article, showing how cuttingedge science is. If it is in a plastic bag or a box, just dont buy it. The plastic tide is rising, more and more marine litter and plastics are being dumped into our ocean. Plasticreductioncasestudies shengyuansu,yazhouli,emmamaschal,andyuejiaoha. Pdf plastic waste, plastic pollution a threat to all nations. Moreover, the current and the future production of e waste, the potential environmental problems associated with their disposal and management practices are discussed whereas the existing e waste management schemes in greece and other countries japan, switzerland are also quoted.

For some species, almost all individuals contain ingested plastic 6, including sea birds, fish, turtles, mussels and mammals. At present there are mainly two types of biodegradable plastic on the market. Video showing how shell is using plastic waste to create a valuable base chemical for feedstock. Agwu, mnim, mnisp department of business administration, niger delta university, wilberforce island, bayelsa state abstract the paper examined the relationship between individual background sex, age and social class. An increasing share of this is recycled or composted, and less is sent to landfill. The plastics task force consulted with environmental organizations, plastics industry experts, recycling program operators, solid waste management companies, and public agencies. Plastic pollution we can make things better 1950 2015 plastic waste has a significant impact on the environment every day, a gigantic amount of plastic leaks into the environment, the seas and oceans 5 to million tyear. Environmental impact, societal issues, prevention, and solutions begins with an introduction to the different types of plastic materials, their uses, and the concepts of reduce, reuse and recycle before examining plastic types, chemistry and degradation patterns that are organized by nondegradable plastic, degradable and biodegradable plastics, biopolymers and. Tackling the plastics problem uk research and innovation.

Since the 1960s our use of plastic has increased dramatically, and subsequently, the portion of our garbage that is made up of plastic has also increased from 1% of the total municipal solid waste stream household garbage to approximately % us environmental protection agency. Challenges and prospects of plastic waste management in nigeria. Disposal of plastics waste has drawn attention of environmentalist due. How can we change the way we produce and consume so as to produce less and less waste, while using all waste as a. Pdf plastic waste problem and education for plastic. Tiny plastic, big problem science news for students. But a lot of plastic trash never makes it to landfills. Seven charts that explain the plastic pollution problem bbc. Like dumaguete city, the eu is facing a waste crisis. Plastic wastes and its management bioenergy consult. Hence, there is great desire to reduce the plastic wastes. Many animals mistake plastic waste for prey, for example. Ingestion of plastic waste has been documented in a number of species.

Apr 01, 2020 waste toenergy incineration has been raised as a solution to the global plastic waste problem, but the technology adds pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and encourages more waste production. China, indonesia, philippines, thailand, vietnam generate more ocean plastic waste than the rest of the world combined. By taking the lead on recycling, chemical players could add a new dimension to the industry and help solve the problem. I urge all companies, big and small and from all regions and sectors, to join us. This article adds a new dimension to ideas about recycling and lifecycle assessments. Plastic pollution is a major threat to our planet and oceans. A new initiative to fight plastic waste is working. Pdf occurrence of plastic waste in the environment. A study by zero waste europe and friends of the earth europe for the rethink plastic alliance.

When plastic production skyrocketed in the early 2000s, so did singleuse plastic packaging, and as a result mismanaged plastic waste. For example, treating plastics as reusable rather than disposable can stem the flow of waste into landfills and elsewhere. This range of responses is necessary for such a global problem with such local variation, but to ensure plastic waste does not fall through the holes in the net of. The problem of plastic in nature, particularly in our oceans, is a global crisis. Replace plastic bags and plastic food storage containers with safer reusable options. Issues and challenges of solid waste management practices in portharcourt city, nigeria a behavioural perspective dr. Plastic bags can block waterways and exacerbate natural disasters. The volume of plastic waste from vietnam to the east sea ranges from 0. The task forces report is a comprehensive, scientific, and independent look at the full life cycle of plastics, from production through disposal. Plastic waste causes severe environmental problem when incinerated or open burn on roadsides or illegal dumpsites. Households and industry produce huge amount of plastic waste. The eu plastics strategy is part of its transition to a circular economy as it is a response to necessity. We have all contributed to this problem mostly unknowingly and we must work to reduce and ultimately to end plastic pollution. In wealthier countries, e waste will stand for 8% of the urban waste volume 5.

Waste toenergy incineration has been raised as a solution to the global plastic waste problem, but the technology adds pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and encourages more waste. We are a notforprofit organization, partnering with the finance community, government and civil society, including environmental and economic development ngos. When plastic waste ends up in the ocean, the results can be tragic. Regulation of plastics waste, particularly manufacture and use of recycled plastics carry bags and containers is being regulated in the country as per recycled plastics manufacture and usage rules, 1999 and as amended in 2003. The plastic tide is growing by 8 million metric tonnes a year. It stays there for a very long time, damaging nature and the ecosystems that support life on earth. There are many other people with good ideas too that will help control this plastics trash problem. Sea life cant tell the difference between plastic and food. Plastic pollution is currently one of the biggest environmental concerns. Plastic pollution in freshwater and marine environments have been identified as a global problem. The problem of plastics wastes has increased tremendously since the use of plastics increased in most industrial, commercial and residential applications.

How can we change the way we produce and consume so as to produce less and less waste, while using all waste as a resource. Scientists have found tiny bits of it throughout the ocean. In some areas there have been significant efforts to reduce the prominence of free range plastic pollution, through reducing plastic consumption, litter cleanup, and promoting plastic recycling. Countries with poor waste collection and management cause more ocean plastic pollution. Discussion on ideas for reducing our plastic trash problem. May 25, 2018 the magazine has devoted much of its issue to the problem. Its not news that the plastics waste issue is becoming a crisis and that, in the eyes of the public, the chemical producers that make all those. Nevertheless, scientists have proposed a number of solutions to stall or reverse the problem. The following 10 facts shed light on how plastic waste is managed and why it is damaging to our planet, health, and. Seven charts that explain the plastic pollution problem. Millions of tons of plastic enter the oceans every year and huge amounts flow there through our rivers. Starting this year, china has banned the importation of 24 categories of trash and has set strict standards for the plastic waste that it will continue to import.

In the case of the shutdown of a plastic plant in mt. Rain and wind carry plastic bags, bottles, and other debris into storm drains or rivers that flow to the ocean. Apr 21, 2020 the problem is that more than 76% of all plastic has ended up as waste, and nearly 50% of the plastic waste we now produce each year is used just once, often only for a few minutes. The consequences are widespread and especially the long term impact and the consequences for humans are not yet fully understood. It impacts the environment and our health and wellbeing. Marine plastic waste pollution vietnam is the fourth most polluted plastic waste to the sea in the world. Higher waste collection and recycling rates are not without problems, but have the. Plastic ingestion by plaktivorous fishes in the north pacific central gyre. Jun 07, 2019 plastic pollution is most visible in developing asian and african nations, where garbage collection systems are often inefficient or nonexistent. Pdf environmental threats posed in the environment by plastic production and plastic wastes continue to be a major problem today, closely connected. Spokespeople for the plastics industry reject the idea that waste from their products can be harmful. Waste act of 1990, which set a goal of diverting 25% of new mexicos municipal solid waste from landfills by 1995 and 50% by july 1, 2000.

Jan 03, 2016 this is a huge step for your health on its own, but it will also reduce the amount of plastic waste we produce each year. With consumers and the government outraged at the plastics crisis, the waste industry is scrambling to solve the problem. Studentsbeginthelessonbyexaminingitemstodetermin ewhatthey aremadeof glass,paper, plastic,ormetal. Also, size of the workforce involved in plastic industry is also gigantic, and change in plastic industry will impact the workers greatly. It may seem like large amounts of plastic waste are inevitable in the world we live in, but you can help with the plastic pollution issue by being aware of its dangers and taking steps to reduce waste. Issues and challenges of solid waste management practices in. Explore the infographic below to find out how ukri is helping the uk work towards a zero plastic waste solution. Using this article in class capitalises on the considerable attention plastic waste has gained in popular media. For example, treating plastics as reusable rather than disposable can stem the flow of waste. Better design of plastic products, higher plastic waste recycling rates, more and better quality recyclates will help boosting the market for recycled plastics. Plastic pollution and management of waste earth day. Plastic waste pieces break up into much smaller bits as. Ecological and human health impacts november 2011 plastic waste is a growing concern and the drivers behind it look set to continue. The global e waste production is assessed at 2050 mtyear 3, equal to % of the estimated global urban waste production 1636 mt 4, 2.

Ecological and human health impacts 1science for environment policy indepth reports plastic waste. Studentsbeginthelessonbyexaminingitemstodetermin ewhatthey aremadeof glass,paper,plastic,ormetal. Mountains of plastic waste are building up around the globe after china implemented a ban on other countries trash. Solutions to limit plastic trash a large collection of plastic bottles of just 150 m of a melbourne city beach. This new alliance is the most comprehensive effort to date to end plastic waste in the environment. Plastic waste causes a plethora of problems when it leaks into the environment. The solar impulse label is granted to innovative solutions to plastic pollution that meet high standards of sustainability and profitability. Issues and challenges of solid waste management practices.