Plastic Waste Exports: Top 10 Countries Responsible for More Than 4.4 Million Tonnes

A recent research report by CleanHub has ranked the top 10 countries that export and import the most plastic waste annually.

This comprehensive study sheds light on the staggering volume of plastic waste trade and the complex, often opaque, global dynamics of plastic waste disposal. According to the report, the top 10 exporting countries collectively send over 4.4 million tonnes of plastic waste abroad each year, constituting 71% of the world's total plastic waste exports.

The reluctance of many governments to release official figures underscores the convoluted and often clandestine nature of global plastic waste management. CleanHub’s report, therefore, compiles data from a variety of industry and scientific sources to provide a definitive ranking and analysis.

Key Findings

1. Top Exporters: The leading exporters of plastic waste are predominantly high-income, developed nations, with seven out of the top ten located in Europe. Germany, Japan, and the UK top the list as the largest exporters.

2. Top Importers: The Netherlands, Turkey, and Germany are the primary importers of plastic waste, highlighting a dual role for some countries in both exporting and importing plastic waste.

3. Export Reduction Trends: There has been a notable reduction in plastic waste exports by some nations over the past year. The US, for instance, has reduced its exports by 28%, and Germany by 6%.

4. Export Increase Trends: Conversely, Japan’s exports have increased by 7%, Canada’s by 10%, and the Netherlands has seen a 69% increase over the past four years.

5. Disposal of Exports: Approximately five million tonnes of used plastic are exported annually, with 55% of this being discarded improperly, often ending up in landfills or being burned.

Exporting plastic waste is often seen as a cost-effective strategy for wealthy countries to manage their waste without bearing the environmental consequences. This practice allows these nations to maintain lower carbon and plastic footprints, thus appearing to be advancing towards their environmental targets. However, this waste often ends up in countries that lack the infrastructure to manage it properly, leading to severe environmental pollution.

Environmental Impact

The CleanHub report details the significant environmental impacts of plastic waste exports:

1. Ocean Pollution: Exported plastic waste contributes to ocean pollution, accounting for 5% of the total ocean plastic pollution, which equates to around 635,000 tonnes of plastic bottles, bags, plates, and other items.

2. Land Pollution: In many receiving countries, plastic waste is often burned illegally, releasing toxic chemicals into the air, or dumped improperly, contaminating soil and water supplies with harmful substances.

3. Atmospheric Pollution: The transportation of five million tonnes of plastic waste abroad generates approximately 320,900 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Legislative and Collaborative Efforts

The report also examines ongoing legislative efforts to address the plastic waste crisis and emphasizes the importance of international collaboration. Nikki Stones, Vice President of Marketing at CleanHub, stresses the critical need for cooperation:

“Plastic waste exports are a key challenge when tackling the plastic pollution problem. Countries that have the capability to properly process plastics are instead handing over recycling responsibility to countries without the infrastructure, often resulting in illegal dumping or burning that leads to toxic air and water pollution.”

Stones points out the reluctance of many governments to disclose official figures on plastic waste exports, suggesting that the actual situation might be even more dire than reported. She asserts that addressing plastic pollution requires a concerted global effort:

“Like any environmental issue, plastic pollution is a problem we can only solve if we work together. We won't overcome this challenge by simply passing on the blame. If plastic waste exports are to continue, wealthy nations need to support developing countries in processing the waste effectively.”

Recommendations for Action

1. Enhanced Transparency: Governments should be more transparent about their plastic waste export figures to better understand the scope of the issue and to develop effective solutions.

2. Invest in Infrastructure: Wealthy nations must invest in the recycling and waste management infrastructure of developing countries to ensure that exported plastic waste is processed responsibly.

3. Strengthen Legislation: Implement stricter regulations on plastic waste exports and imports to prevent illegal dumping and burning, and to promote environmentally friendly disposal practices.

4. Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage both producers and consumers to adopt more sustainable practices, such as reducing plastic use, improving recycling methods, and supporting the development of biodegradable materials.

5. International Cooperation: Foster international agreements and collaborations aimed at reducing plastic waste and improving global waste management practices.

CleanHub’s report highlights the urgent need for a global response to the plastic waste crisis. By understanding the dynamics of plastic waste exports and imports, and recognizing the environmental impact, nations can work together to develop sustainable solutions. Wealthy countries, in particular, have a responsibility to support developing nations in managing plastic waste effectively. Only through collective effort and shared responsibility can we hope to mitigate the environmental damage caused by plastic waste and move towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.