Nearly two-thirds of the planet’s plastic pollution comes from uncollected waste with about 1.2 billion people, or 15% of the global population, living without waste collection services.
In 2020, around 30 million tonnes of plastic — 57% of all plastic pollution — was burned in homes, streets, and dumpsites without any environmental controls, said a study by researchers from the University of Leeds.
Burning plastic releases toxic chemicals that pose significant health risks, including neurodevelopmental, reproductive, and birth defects, especially in the world’s poorest communities. The study emphasizes that uncontrolled plastic burning is as hazardous as plastics dumped in the environment, yet it has received little attention.
AI-DRIVEN RESEARCH REVEALS PLASTIC POLLUTION PATTERNS
The researchers used artificial intelligence to model waste management practices in over 50,000 municipalities worldwide. This innovative approach allowed the team to predict global waste generation and disposal patterns. Dr. Josh Cottom from the School of Civil Engineering noted that improving basic waste management could significantly reduce plastic pollution and improve the lives of billions.
A CALL FOR GLOBAL ACTION: WASTE COLLECTION AS A BASIC NECESSITY
The study advocates for viewing waste collection as a basic necessity, alongside water and sanitation services. Dr. Costas Velis, who led the research, urged governments to prioritize tackling open burning and uncollected waste. “Out of sight, out of mind” is no longer an option, he emphasized, warning of the severe health and environmental risks posed by plastic pollution.
PLASTIC’S LASTING IMPACT ON HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
With over 400 million tonnes of plastic produced each year — much of it single-use and difficult to recycle — the environmental and health impact is long-lasting. Plastics can persist for decades or centuries, breaking down into smaller pieces, while burning them releases harmful chemicals into the air.
The study’s first-ever global inventory of plastic pollution provides a much-needed baseline, comparable to climate change data, for policymakers to tackle this environmental disaster. Researchers also propose a legally binding global treaty aimed at addressing the root causes of plastic pollution.
PLASTIC POLLUTION AND GLOBAL HEALTH: AN ONGOING CRISIS
Dr. Velis called the plastic waste crisis a “global human health issue.” For the 1.2 billion people without waste collection services, burning plastic may seem like a quick fix, but it leads to profound health risks, including reproductive, neurodevelopmental, and birth defects. Ed Cook, a co-author of the study, hopes the dataset will help policymakers allocate resources more effectively to combat plastic pollution and prioritize the health of vulnerable populations.
THE PATH FORWARD: WASTE MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY SOLUTIONS
The researchers emphasize the importance of investing in better waste management systems, including resource recovery and circular economy plans. By addressing the root causes of uncollected waste, global plastic pollution can be significantly reduced, benefiting both the environment and human health.
