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Plastic pollution in Ethiopia: A comprehensive review and evidence synthesis of generation, management practices, and environmental impacts
Summary
Ethiopia produces over 386,000 tons of plastic waste each year, and this review of existing research finds that more than 70% of it isn't properly managed, instead piling up in rivers, lakes, and farmland that people rely on for food and water. With recycling rates below 10%, this pollution threatens drinking water sources, food safety, and ecosystems, raising concerns about plastic and microplastic exposure for millions of people. The findings highlight the urgent need for better waste infrastructure and stronger policies to protect public health.
Plastic pollution is an escalating environmental challenge in Ethiopia, driven by rapid urbanization, population growth, and inadequate waste management systems. This systematic review examines the scale, sources, impacts, and governance of plastic pollution across the country. Unlike previous studies that focused on localized plastic pollution issues or broader municipal solid waste management, this review provides the first systematic national synthesis of empirical evidence on plastic pollution across Ethiopia, integrating environmental, ecological, public health, governance, and waste management perspectives to identify research trends, evidence gaps, and national priorities for future interventions. Drawing on peer-reviewed studies, government reports, and field observations from 2000–2025, this review provides a national assessment of plastic waste generation and its environmental impacts in Ethiopia. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, it systematically synthesized empirical studies and national policy documents, with study quality and risk of bias critically assessed to ensure robust evidence synthesis. Findings indicate that Ethiopia generates over 386,000 tons of plastic waste annually, with plastic comprising more than 11.78% of the total municipal solid waste. Alarmingly, over 70% of this plastic is mismanaged, polluting rivers, lakes, farmlands, and urban drainage systems. Critical ecosystems such as Lake Tana, Lake Hawassa, and the Akaki-Awash Basin are increasingly threatened, posing serious risks to biodiversity, food security, and public health. The national recycling rate remains below 10%, highlighting significant deficiencies in waste recovery and circular economy practices. The review identifies major pollution hotspots and key source sectors and critically analyzes gaps in policy enforcement and municipal capacity. It underscores the urgent need for integrated and multi-sectoral responses to plastic pollution. Key recommendations include developing a national plastic action plan, strengthening legal and institutional frameworks, expanding recycling and waste infrastructure, promoting eco-friendly alternatives, and raising public awareness. This review provides a national scientific baseline for supporting evidence-based plastic governance, strengthening circular economy strategies, guiding future environmental monitoring, and informing national implementation of the Global Plastics Treaty and Sustainable Development Goals.