Tackling Plastic Emissions: How a Global Inventory is Driving Change

Plastic pollution is nothing new—we hear about it almost every day. But knowing it’s a problem isn’t enough. To actually fix it, we need clear data showing where the waste is coming from and how it’s affecting our world. That’s where a new global study steps in. This study has mapped out plastic emissions across more than 50,000 cities and towns, giving us a detailed picture of where the trouble spots are. Let’s break down why this data is so important and how it can help us make real progress in the fight against plastic waste.

A Fresh Look at Plastic Emissions

Plastic pollution is often seen as a global issue—and it is. But according to the “A local-to-global emissions inventory of macroplastic pollution” article, the study shows us something even more critical: it’s also a very local issue. The new inventory doesn’t just highlight the global scope of plastic emissions; it zooms in on specific hotspots where plastic waste is being mismanaged. From crowded urban centres to remote rural areas, the data reveals where waste is leaking out of the system and ending up in our environment.

Researchers used a combination of cutting-edge tools, including machine learning and material flow analysis, to track how plastic moves from collection systems into unmanaged spaces like open land or waterways. This focus on how plastic debris and open burning contribute to emissions is eye-opening. The numbers are staggering—52.1 million metric tonnes of plastic are emitted into the environment every year, with 57% of that coming from the open burning of waste, while 43% remains as debris.

The Global North vs. Global South

One of the most striking findings is how differently plastic pollution plays out in various parts of the world. In wealthier countries, commonly referred to as the Global North, the main issue is littering. The streets, beaches, and parks of cities in Europe and North America are littered with single-use plastics, which eventually wash into rivers and oceans. This littering, while a serious problem, pales in comparison to the situation in the Global South.

In many developing countries, the challenge is not just littering but also a lack of proper waste collection systems. Huge amounts of waste are left uncollected, often in informal dumps or burned in open spaces. This is particularly the case in countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia, where the infrastructure to manage waste simply hasn’t kept pace with the rapid urbanisation and population growth. As a result, these countries account for a significant portion of the world’s plastic emissions.

Take India, for example. In rural areas, waste management services are often non-existent, and plastic waste is frequently burned in open air—a practice that releases harmful chemicals into both the atmosphere and the surrounding environment. The study suggests that the real extent of plastic pollution in India may be far worse than what’s officially reported, largely because rural waste isn’t properly tracked.

China’s Turning Point

For years, China was seen as the world’s largest contributor to plastic pollution, but this study shows a positive shift. China has made huge strides in waste management, implementing more controlled landfill systems and using incineration to handle waste more effectively. While challenges remain, these improvements have led to a significant reduction in its plastic emissions, proving that with the right policies and investments, real progress is possible

A Fair Transition for Informal Waste Workers

As we work to fight plastic pollution, we must also recognize the important role of informal waste workers. These workers, often in places with little formal waste collection, gather and recycle a large part of the world’s plastic waste. According to the study, they collect more than 49.8 million metric tonnes of plastic each year—plastic that would otherwise end up in the environment.

But as countries tighten their waste management systems, we need to make sure these workers aren’t left behind. The idea of a "just transition" is about ensuring that informal waste workers are given fair opportunities in the changing industry. Instead of losing their jobs, they should be brought into the formal economy, with fair pay, safe working conditions, and social protections.

At Plastics For Change, we push for an inclusive approach that values the work of informal waste collectors while helping them find better, more secure jobs. As global policies like the Plastics Treaty take shape, we must ensure that informal workers are included. Providing them with training, fair wages, and health benefits will be key to achieving lasting solutions to the plastic crisis.

By involving informal waste workers in these discussions and protecting their rights, we can build a fair and effective global waste management system.

In conclusion, this global inventory is a game-changer. It gives us the data we need to shape policies and measure our progress in fighting plastic pollution. At Plastics For Change, we support these efforts by promoting responsible waste management and recycling to reduce plastic’s impact on the environment.

Now is the time to turn this data into action. Together, we can create a cleaner, more sustainable world.