Are exports of recyclables from developed to developing countries waste pollution transfer or part of the global circular economy?

Liu, Zhe; Adams, Michelle; Walker, Tony R.

doi:10.1016/j.resconrec.2018.04.005

Cited by 149 publications

(62 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Plastic pollution is quite clearly a critical environmental problem on a global scale, and can be tackled on a number of fronts, including reduction of plastic use, inclusion of plastic into the circular economy, and better waste management 69 , 70 . Out of the list of six sources of solid microplastic pollution (Fig.…”

Section: Towards the Identification Of Priority Regulatory Cases—innomentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastic regulation should be more precise to incentivize both innovation and environmental safety

2020

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The presence of plastic in the environment has sparked discussion amongst scientists, regulators and the general public as to how industrialization and consumerism is shaping our world. Here we discuss restrictions on the intentional use of primary microplastics: small solid polymer particles in applications ranging from agriculture to cosmetics. Microplastic hazards are uncertain, and actions are not similarly prioritized by all actors. In some instances, replacement is technically simple and easily justified, but in others substitutions may come with more uncertainty, performance questions and costs. Scientific impact assessment of primary microplastics compared to their alternatives relies on a number of factors, such as microplastic harm, existence of replacement materials and the quality, cost and hazards of alternative materials. Regulations need a precise focus and must be enforceable by these measurements. Policymakers must carefully evaluate under which contexts incentives to replace certain microplastics can stimulate innovation of new, more competitive and environmentally conscious materials.

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Section: Towards the Identification Of Priority Regulatory Cases—innomentioning

confidence: 99%

Microplastic regulation should be more precise to incentivize both innovation and environmental safety

2020

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“…Globally, recycling rates for plastic are low, with only an estimated 14% of plastic packaging collected for recycling [40]. Furthermore, exports of recyclable materials from developed to developing countries has resulted in significant transfer of waste pollution [41,42].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ocean plastic crisis—Mental models of plastic pollution from remote Indonesian coastal communities

et al. 2020

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The crisis facing the world's oceans from plastics is well documented, yet there is little knowledge of the perspectives, experiences and options of the coastal communities facing overwhelming quantities of plastics on their beaches and in their fishing waters. In emerging economies such as those in the Coral Triangle, the communities affected are among the poorest of their countries. To understand the consequences of ocean plastic pollution in coastal regions, through the eyes of local people, this study examines the knowledge, use, disposal and local consequences of single use plastics in remote island communities in two archipelagos of southern Sulawesi, Indonesia. Using mixed methods-a survey of plastic literacy and behaviour, household interviews about purchasing and disposal, and focus group discussions to generate shared mental models-we identify a complex set of factors contributing to extensive plastic leakage into the marine environment. The rising standard of living has allowed people in low resource, remote communities to buy more single-use plastic items than they could before. Meanwhile complex geography and minimal collection services make waste management a difficult issue, and leave the communities themselves to shoulder the impacts of the ocean plastic crisis. Although plastic literacy is low, there is little the coastal communities can do unless presented with better choice architecture both on the supply side and in disposal options. Our results suggest that for such coastal communities improved waste disposal is urgent. Responsible supply chains and non-plastic alternatives are needed. Producers and manufacturers can no longer focus only on low-cost packaged products, without taking responsibility for the outcomes. Without access to biodegradable, environmentally friendly products, and a circular plastic system, coastal communities and surrounding marine ecosystems will continue to be inundated in plastic waste.

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“…Historically, plastic waste trade has been associated with serious environmental and social issues, including export of low-quality plastic bales by HICs and illegal practices for processing imported materials by LMICs, including labor exploitation, burning, and discard of low-value plastic waste into dumps, rivers, and oceans (GAIA, 2019;Sarpong, 2020). A significant disruption to global plastic waste trade occurred in 2017, when China banned the import of large volumes of plastic waste into its territory (Liu et al, 2018;Walker, 2018) and neighboring LMICs started receiving this rejected waste (Wang et al, 2019). These LMICs lack the infrastructure to manage their own plastic waste, let alone a rapid increase in plastic waste supplied by HICs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Transnational Plastics: An Australian Case for Global Action

Galaiduk

Lebreton

Techera

et al. 2020

Front. Environ. Sci.

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Mitigating plastic pollution requires strong international cooperation because significant volumes of plastic waste are transported across jurisdictions both as waste exports and drifting ocean plastics (OP). Here we estimate which nations are (1) sources for overseas OP reaching Australian waters and (2) destinations receiving OP from Australian sources. We then provide actionable recommendations for mitigating plastic pollution in Australian waters and beyond. We estimated that the vast majority of overseas OP reaching Australia is from Indonesia, and that most of the Australian-sourced OP reaching overseas territories is entering New Zealand. Key actions for mitigating the OP issue in Australia include better governance, upgraded enforcement, and increased investments to reduce fossil fuel-based plastic production and to drastically improve both domestic and international waste management infrastructure and operations.

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Are exports of recyclables from developed to developing countries waste pollution transfer or part of the global circular economy?

Cited by 149 publications

References 5 publications

Microplastic regulation should be more precise to incentivize both innovation and environmental safety

Microplastic regulation should be more precise to incentivize both innovation and environmental safety

Ocean plastic crisis—Mental models of plastic pollution from remote Indonesian coastal communities

Transnational Plastics: An Australian Case for Global Action

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