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Exploring how municipalities address microplastics pollution in stormwater – a case study in a Swedish municipality
Summary
Researchers investigated how one Swedish municipality has approached the problem of microplastic pollution in stormwater, finding that most actions targeted rubber crumb infill from artificial turf fields and plastic litter. Despite political prioritization and a formal action plan, limited resources constrained implementation of broader measures. The study offers a practical example of how local governments navigate emerging pollutants that lack strict regulatory frameworks, which is relevant for developing national microplastics policy.
This article investigates how municipalities have addressed the microplastics issue in relation to stormwater. Municipal officials in a Swedish municipality with different roles in relation to microplastics in stormwater and project managers with responsibility for plans and strategies related to microplastics were interviewed. Most measures had been introduced to limit dispersal of infill from artificial turfs, followed by measures against plastic litter. Despite the issue being prioritised by the governing politicians, and formalised in a plan, lack of resources was still a challenge to the implementation of more measures. This study gives insights into how a municipality handles a pollutant that is not subject to strict regulations. The results can be used to inform future policy for, and management of, microplastics as well as other contaminants of emerging concern, especially concerning the type of guidance needed by an actor group responsible for implementing measures.