Question 1

How much plastic do we produce?

Accepted Answer

Plastic of around 2 mt was produced in the 50s, and by 2015, the production rose to 381 mt. This means a 200x times growth in the production of plastic. In 2010, plastic production was 270 mt, but the plastic waste was 275 mt. So, even if plastic production comes down, what is important here is to recycle.

Question 2

How much oil is needed to produce plastic?

Accepted Answer

The estimates vary, but most peg it at 4 to 8% of global oil consumption, and 6% is the middle range.

Question 3

How does plastic in the ocean come about?

Accepted Answer

Around 3% of global yearly plastic waste enters the oceans. Mismanaged waste in coastal areas where there are open landfills or dumps is a crucial problem. In low to middle-income countries, waste management is less effective, especially in East Asia, Pacific, South Asia, Africa, and MENA regions. River inputs are the key source of plastic in the ocean. Top 20 polluting rivers account for two-thirds of the global data. A majority of these rivers are in Asia. When waste is not formally managed, it also enters oceans through inland waterways, outflows, and wind or tidal waves.

Question 4

Does marine plastic debris come from fishing activities?

Accepted Answer

Estimates suggest 80% of global marine plastics come from the land, while 20 percent form fishing activities, like discarded plastic nets, fishing lines or even abandoned ships and vessels. The contribution of different sources varies depending on the context and geographical location. Plastic lines, ropes, and fishing nets comprise 52% of the plastic mass in the Great Pacific Garbage patch, for example. This is due to excessive fishing activity in the Pacific Ocean.

Question 5

What is the problem with landfills?

Accepted Answer

One way to describe plastic waste disposal is through landfills, disposal sites for materials through burials. In high-income countries, there are professionally managed. But, in low-income countries, uncontrolled and mismanaged open landfills, dumps or pits make environmental plastic and marine plastic pollution a reality. Well-managed landfills gather, compact and store waste. This involves covering or burying soils or other materials. Landfills generate GHG like CH4 and CO2. Plastic degrades over a very long time. Another problem is if decomposing material produces leachate or polluted waters that enter the soil and waterways, there can be environmental contamination. If plastic waste is not handled correctly, PVC mater can leach chemicals. EU Commission found leachate of substances at landfills can only be controlled if there are adequate liner and leachate treatment.

Question 6

Recycling, Landfill, or Incineration: Which should be chosen?

Accepted Answer

There are three key options for handling plastic waste such as recycling, disposal in a landfill, or incineration. It all depends on the efficiency of landfill or incinerator sites. If processes at these sites are not in place, recycling is a better option. Regarding plastic that is not recyclable, it should either be sent to the landfill or incinerator depending on the plastic-type and the GHG emission and energy use of incinerators. Across some countries in Europe, for example, discharges are favorable when incineration efficiency is low. Where landfills are limited or poorly managed, incineration may be better