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Regional Insights into Single-Use Plastic Usage and Disposal: A Comparative Study of Five Asian Cities
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A survey of 1,492 people across five Asian cities found significant differences in single-use plastic consumption patterns, with plastic shopping bags being the most used item across all sites at 18–34 bags per week. The findings suggest that flexible, region-specific interventions rather than uniform policies are needed to build a circular economy for plastics in Asia.
Plastic pollution is a critical issue in rapidly developing cities. A nuanced understanding of consumer behavior related to single-use plastic (SUP) usage is therefore essential for effective interventions, in light of the global plastic treaty. This study conducts a survey of 1,492 participants across five Asian cities to analyze SUP consumption and disposal patterns amid the post-COVID “new normal”. Results reveal significant inter-city differences: Shanghai and Harbin demonstrate high overall SUP usage despite lower consumption of plastic shopping bags; Hanoi and Depok exhibit lower total consumption but distinct product preferences, such as elevated use of plastic shopping bags and party cups; and Phnom Penh recorded the highest consumption of plastic shopping bags, bottles, and straws. Plastic shopping bags were the most used item in all cities, ranging from 18 to 34 bags weekly, with no significant differences by urban versus rural areas, age, or gender. Conversely, urban areas showed higher usage of plastic take out containers, cutlery, coffee cups, and party cups. The COVID-19 pandemic has notably reshaped SUP consumption trends. Moreover, over half of SUPs were disposed of without proper separation. These findings underscore that reducing SUPs requires flexible, phased, and region-specific interventions to build a resilient circular economy.
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Regional Insights on the Usage of Single-Use Plastics and Their Disposal in Five Asian Cities
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Researchers surveyed nearly 1,500 people across five Asian cities to understand how single-use plastics are consumed and disposed of in the region. They found significant differences in plastic consumption patterns between cities, with food packaging and plastic bags being the most commonly used items. The study provides data to help policymakers design targeted interventions to reduce plastic waste and marine pollution in rapidly developing parts of Asia.
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This study surveyed consumer attitudes and behaviors toward plastic bag use at wet markets in Hanoi, Vietnam, using preference surveys and demographic data. Linear regression was used to identify factors influencing consumer valuation of reusable alternatives.
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Researchers investigated the composition and recyclability potential of single-use plastic waste from domestic sources in Can Tho City, Vietnam, sampling from markets, residential areas, bus stations, and schools. Findings showed plastic components ranged from 6.82% in suburban Cai Rang to 14.89% in urban Ninh Kieu district, with highly diverse disposable plastic items including bags, foam boxes, straws, and bottles.
Urban Waste Composition Associated with Online Food Delivery in Bangkok, Thailand, with Emphasis on Plastic Waste Management
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A survey of 385 food delivery customers in Bangkok found that 76.6% increased their online food ordering, driving higher proportions of single-use plastic waste in municipal solid waste streams, with non-essential plastic items like cutlery and films rarely opted out of. The study highlights how the rapid growth of platform-based food delivery is a significant and underappreciated driver of urban plastic pollution, requiring targeted policy interventions including extended producer responsibility.
Prevalence of Plastic Usage and the Factors Associated With It Among Adults in Perambalur District of South India: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Researchers surveyed 1,200 adults in South India about their plastic use habits, finding that 92.5% use plastic daily despite widespread awareness of its harms and local bans on plastic bags. The study found that younger, urban, more educated, and male participants were the heaviest plastic users, indicating that awareness alone is not enough to change behavior.
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