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Faculty Opinions recommendation of The United States' contribution of plastic waste to land and ocean.
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This faculty opinion summarizes a landmark study estimating that the United States generates the most plastic waste of any country globally — 42 million metric tons in 2016 — with a significant portion improperly managed domestically or exported abroad. The U.S. contribution to plastic waste and thus eventual microplastic pollution is larger than previously acknowledged.
Plastic waste affects environmental quality and ecosystem health.In 2010, an estimated 5 to 13 million metric tons (Mt) of plastic waste entered the ocean from both developing countries with insufficient solid waste infrastructure and high-income countries with very high waste generation.We demonstrate that, in 2016, the United States generated the largest amount of plastic waste of any country in the world (42.0 Mt).Between 0.14 and 0.41 Mt of this waste was illegally dumped in the United States, and 0.15 to 0.99 Mt was inadequately managed in countries that imported materials collected in the United States for recycling.Accounting for these contributions, the amount of plastic waste generated in the United States estimated to enter the coastal environment in 2016 was up to five times larger than that estimated for 2010, rendering the United States' contribution among the highest in the world.
More Papers Like This
The United States’ contribution of plastic waste to land and ocean
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that the United States generated the largest amount of plastic waste of any country in 2016 at 42 million metric tons, with a significant portion being illegally dumped or exported to countries with poor waste management. The study estimates that between 0.91 and 2.24 million metric tons of U.S. plastic waste ended up in the environment, highlighting the need for improved domestic waste reduction strategies.
The United States requires effective federal policy to reduce marine plastic pollution
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This study argued that the United States lacks effective federal policy to address marine plastic pollution, examining gaps in regulation of single-use plastics and fishing nets and calling for comprehensive federal legislation given that the U.S. ranks among the top 20 countries for mismanaged plastic waste entering the ocean.
Plastic Pollution and Potential Solutions
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This review provides a broad overview of plastic pollution, covering the full lifecycle from manufacturing through disposal and environmental degradation. Researchers note that of the 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic ever produced, roughly 79% has ended up in landfills or the natural environment, where it breaks down into micro- and nanoplastics that persist for centuries. The study discusses potential solutions including improved recycling, biodegradable alternatives, and policy interventions to reduce plastic waste.
Plastic Pollution: What We Know and Where are We Going?
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This overview by a chemistry and environmental sciences professor surveys the state of microplastic pollution research, noting that while plastic pollution in the oceans has been observed since the 1970s, intensive scientific study of microplastics is a relatively recent phenomenon. The piece contextualizes the field's rapid growth and highlights key knowledge gaps.
Marine litter: how to monitor, reduce and prevent ocean debris. Focus on plastics and microplastics.
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This report reviewed the growing problem of plastic pollution in the oceans and the policy landscape for addressing it, emphasizing that production, use, and end-of-life management all require reform. It frames plastic pollution as a systemic challenge requiring coordinated international action rather than single-issue solutions.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.