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Developing a method for estimation of plastic waste leaked into the ocean
Summary
Researchers developed a methodology for estimating how much plastic waste leaks into the ocean from Vietnam, combining national waste generation data with leakage factors. The lack of standardized data was identified as a major obstacle to accurate assessment. A reliable estimation method is essential for measuring progress toward Vietnam's goal of reducing marine plastic debris by 75% by 2030.
The Vietnamese Government has committed to fighting against plastic waste and reducing 75% of marine plastic debris by 2030. However, the information on the actual amount of plastic waste released into the sea in Vietnam is still uncertain. Estimates of plastic waste leaks into the ocean become essential for assessing baseline data and monitoring marine plastic litter reduction. The lack of standardised methods reliably be applied worldwide due to local conditions of the waste management system is a constraint for plastic waste management. The study developed a method for simulating plastic waste flow in solid waste management system based on material flow approach, which can estimate the amount of plastic waste mismanaged and leaked into the ocean. The estimation model was applied to Quang Ninh, a famous tourist province in Vietnam. The mismanaged plastic waste accounts for 25% of total plastic waste generation and approximately 4.5% of generated plastic waste leaking into the ocean. The results of the study also indicated the source of plastic waste leakage and possible interventions for solving the problem.