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Interventions Implemented in Resource-Constrained Settings to Improve Plastic Waste Management and Reduce Plastic Burning: A Systematic Review
Summary
This review looked at 17 studies from lower-income countries testing ways to cut down plastic waste and burning, like bans on single-use plastics, community recycling programs, and new waste-management technology. Surprisingly, plastic bans often backfired and increased plastic use because people lacked affordable alternatives and rules weren't well enforced, while community-driven programs paired with government support worked better. This matters because burning plastic releases toxic fumes linked to lung and heart problems, so finding solutions that actually work, not just look good on paper, is key to protecting people's health.
Plastic pollution is disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries, where evidence-based interventions suited to local needs, cultural practices and available resources are needed. We conducted a systematic review of literature to identify interventions that have been implemented in these settings to reduce the use of plastic and improve plastic waste management. Three databases were searched, supplemented by manual citation searching. Of 4,631 records screened, 17 studies were included after assessing 144 full texts. Studies were conducted in Asia (n=16) and Sub-Saharan Africa (n=1). Interventions fell into four categories: regulations targeting single-use plastics and open waste burning (n=7), integrated solid waste management (n=4), community-based initiatives (n=3), and technological solutions (n=3). Despite initial positive effects, single use plastic ban policies often caused an overall increase in plastic use due to absence of viable alternatives and weak policy enforcement. Adequate policy-level support and community awareness were effective for integrated solid waste management and community-based initiatives. Additionally, technological solutions were reported as potentially effective measures to complement policy and infrastructure. While multisectoral efforts and interventions are needed to effectively address this issue, future studies should also consider the human health impacts of implementing such solutions.