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An Imported Environmental Crisis: Plastic Mismanagement in Africa
Summary
This article examines the growing problem of plastic waste mismanagement in Africa, where a large share of globally mismanaged plastic ends up through both legal and illegal channels. Researchers highlight the inadequacy of recycling infrastructure across the continent and the particular threat posed by plastic imports. The study calls for establishing effective collection systems, encouraging eco-design of recyclable products, and greater international cooperation to address this imported environmental crisis.
Plastic waste pollution is currently one of the main items on international agendas. It leads to more and more leakages and constitutes a dangerous threat to living beings and the ecosystem (toxic substances). Globally, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, while 22% of it is mismanaged. A large part of this waste ends up legally or illegally in Africa. This article uses the available data on plastic waste to shed light on the situation in Africa. Particular attention is paid to imports of plastics and the recycling sector, as well as ways to combat improper dumping and to prevent/reduce marine pollution (microplastics). The roles and responsibilities of actors and institutions in Africa will be discussed. It is urgent for the international community, in cooperation with the local plastic/textile industries, to establish an effective and well-structured collection system for plastic and textile waste. This will help maximize the collection rate and minimize landfills through recycling. It is also necessary to encourage both the plastic and textile industries to opt for product designs that use easily recyclable materials (eco-design), and this option is crucial.