Although many people believe that their plastic waste is managed effectively and properly through recycling, a good amount of exported plastic waste ends up in countries that lack proper waste management facilities. Sometimes, plastics that are considered recyclable are burned in the open, emitting dangerous gases and particles into the atmosphere. Recycling of plastics, export of plastic waste, international recycling of plastics, pollution from plastics, open burning of plastics, threats to public health, air pollution, waste management and environmental pollution, especially due to global plastic waste, are increasingly interconnected in an emerging environmental crisis.
The hidden reality of exported plastic waste: where does it go?
For years, developed countries have been disposing of plastic waste in poor countries to process it. Its purpose is to process the waste and eventually put it back into circulation. However, most of these materials cannot be recycled properly due to contaminants and mixed materials.When recycling facilities are overwhelmed, plastic waste is often dumped, buried or burned. Researchers studying global waste management have identified open burning as one of the most overlooked forms of plastic pollution. Dr. Therese M. Carlson, Doctor of Philosophy, Science and Technical Advisor at the International Pollutant Elimination Network (IPEN), describes open burning of plastic waste as “highly prevalent around the world” and notes that the actual amount of plastic and plastic waste, and the toxic chemicals present in the waste, being moved globally through plastics and trade are likely to be even greater. As plastic production increases, plastic waste will also skyrocket. Estimates show that we will generate 26 billion tons of plastic waste by 2050. We cannot sustainably manage this level of waste production, and without global policies to reduce plastic production, the unequal exchange of plastic waste from high-income countries to non-high-income countries will continue.The issue extends beyond garbage and landfill sites. Once plastic is burned, pollutants are released directly into the atmosphere, affecting both local communities and the wider ecosystem.
What effect does burning plastic have on public health?
The health consequences of burning plastic are becoming increasingly clear. Studies show that when plastic is burned, a complex composition of toxic substances such as dioxins, furans, heavy metals and fine particles are emitted into the air.In their study, “Open burning of plastic waste: an urgent global health issue”, scientists claim that the pollutants emitted during plastic burning may remain active even after all the smoke and odor has disappeared.These pollutants can affect not only the air but also the lungs, blood and surrounding environment. Exposure to these pollutants can cause respiratory infections, heart disease, developmental disorders, and many other diseases.Joseph Hoover, who has a doctorate from the University of Arizona and is also part of the core faculty of the Center for Indigenous Resilience, said in an interview with Susan Cozier of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, also noting that burning plastic waste at home has great impacts on air pollution and health, especially in areas where there are no waste collection systems.It is estimated that approximately two billion people around the world have no access to garbage collection.
Why does open burning remain a global environmental challenge?
An additional reason why open burning of waste continues despite efforts to address the problem is that it can sometimes become an informal means of waste disposal due to inadequate infrastructure. If garbage collection services are either sporadic or non-existent altogether, communities may lack other options.The above study on waste management practices in India, Indonesia, Philippines and Zambia states that burning plastic is often considered a practical way to reduce waste volume despite insufficient awareness of its long-term effects on health.Open burning of plastic waste can pose serious risks to both businesses and the general population as contaminated smoke is inhaled by waste workers and nearby communities. Aerosols produced by burning plastic waste are more toxic than aerosols produced in most other combustion processes.
Improving Recycling and Reducing Plastic Pollution
According to experts, the solution to the problem is not just to motivate people for recycling. Domestic recycling processes, reduced plastic production, better waste management practices and increased transparency on the export of plastic waste should all be considered.Experts say the issue of open burning should be addressed in international plans related to plastic pollution, as this sector is currently ignored.The study results remind consumers that putting plastic in the recycling bin is just the first step. Further fate will depend on the management systems. Without proper recycling infrastructure and proper waste management regulations, plastics that were created for recycling may contribute to pollution anyway.