Report: 29% of Global Plastic Waste Mismanaged, China's Recycling Increases 5.9%
A new study released on October 13th revealed that despite progress in plastic recycling, nearly one-third of global plastic waste remains mismanaged.
These findings come from the "Global Plastic Flows 2023" report, compiled by Conversio Market & Strategy on behalf of the German Mechanical Engineering Association (VDMA) and released at the International Plastics and Rubber Fair in Düsseldorf.
The report notes that global awareness of circular economy principles is growing, but progress in waste management and recycling continues to lag behind the growth in plastic production. The study found that 71% of plastic waste is currently disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner, compared to 68% in 2018.
However, 29% of plastic waste is still categorized as mismanaged, meaning it is either illegally dumped or inadequately treated. While the total volume of poorly managed waste is growing slower than overall waste generation, the problem remains most acute in parts of Africa and Asia with limited collection and treatment infrastructure.
Between 2018 and 2023, environmentally friendly waste treatment increased by 4.6%, primarily driven by improvements in energy recovery capacity in Asia. During the same period, the volume of plastics collected for recycling increased by 3%, indicating that while recycling is improving, the growth rate remains slower than the overall waste growth.
Not All Bad News
The study's authors stated: "While the global data is alarming, the Global Plastics Flow study highlights effective means to improve waste management. By combining multiple tools, a sustainable transition is achievable."
"Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) plays a particularly critical role. When manufacturers assume financial and organizational responsibility for the post-use phase of their products, it can contribute to a long-term closed and sustainable plastic material flow cycle, leading to increased recycling and reduced releases into the environment."
The results varied significantly across regions. In the European Union, between 2018 and 2023, managed plastic waste grew by an average of 2.2% annually, collections for recycling grew by an average of 5.9% annually, and waste entering the environment decreased by 0.6%. In Colombia, plastic waste generation increased by an average of 1.7% annually, but managed waste increased by 5%, recycled waste increased by 24.6%, and waste entering the environment decreased by 6.5%. In China, plastic waste generation increased by an average of 3.5% annually, managed waste increased by 8.3%, recycled waste increased by 5.9%, and waste entering the environment decreased by nearly 10%.
The study attributes these improvements to better policy frameworks, investments in recycling capacity, and the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems. In Europe, landfill bans, deposit return programs, and higher recycling targets are helping to reduce waste leakage.
Regulated Collection Systems
In Latin America, initiatives such as the Colombian Plastics Pact are integrating informal waste pickers into formal collection systems, increasing recycling rates and social participation. In Asia, China's circular economy policies and the expansion of waste-to-energy facilities are driving recycling efforts.
The study authors explain: "These success stories provide examples and momentum for the widespread adoption of environmentally friendly plastic recycling. A clear commitment to a circular economy is having a positive impact and must be replicated globally. This is why a global plastics pact is crucial."
Despite this progress, the report highlights key challenges hindering improvements in global plastic recycling. Currently, only approximately 17% of plastic waste is collected for recycling, and the actual recycling rate is estimated to be only 12%. 80% of post-consumer recycled material is produced in Europe and Asia.
Market conditions also hinder industry development. According to the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA), low prices for fossil-based plastics make recycled materials uncompetitive, thus discouraging investment in recycling infrastructure.
The study authors also note that illegal exports and weak enforcement of waste regulations further exacerbate environmental leakage. The survey covered plastic flows in 45 countries, representing 63% of the world's population and 81% of global GDP.
