A recent study conducted by CleanHub, an ocean plastics campaign group, has shed light on the alarming trend of plastic waste exportation revealing that Germany, Japan, and the UK are the leading contributors to this global issue.
Alarming Statistics
CleanHub’s report reveals the concerning scale of plastic waste exportation, with an estimated 5 million tonnes of used plastic being shipped abroad annually. Shockingly, approximately 55 % of the exported plastic ends up discarded rather than recycled or properly processed. The report identifies the top 10 countries as collectively responsible for over 4.4 million tonnes of plastic waste exports each year, comprising a substantial 71 % of the total global plastic waste exports.
The Top 10 Plastic Waste Exporters
What is particularly concerning is that the top 10 exporting countries are predominantly high-income, developed nations, with 7 of them being in Europe. The countries are the following:
- Germany – 688,067 tonnes
- Japan – 606,374 tonnes
- UK – 600,000 tonnes
- Netherlands – 576,702 tonnes
- USA – 431,841 tonnes
- Belgium – 391,263 tonnes
- France – 344,367 tonnes
- Italy – 205,621 tonnes
- Canada – 201,780 tonnes
- Austria – 174,976 tonnes
Additionally, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Germany emerge as the top three importers of plastic waste, further highlighting the complex dynamics of global waste management.
Export Trends
While some nations have taken steps to reduce their plastic waste exports, others continue to export their waste at the same or larger rate. Notably, the United States has reduced its plastic waste exports by 28 %, and Germany by 6 %, signaling a growing awareness of the environmental implications associated with plastic waste trade.
However, this positive trend is countered by the increase in exports from other countries, such as Japan and Canada, whose exports have risen by 7 % and 10 % respectively, in the last year.
Concerns
Analysts warn that the exportation of plastic waste serves as a convenient, yet unsustainable, solution for wealthy nations to avoid their responsibility to recycle and manage their own waste in an efficient way. By exporting million tonnes of plastic waste onto other countries, these nations maintain the illusion of progress towards their net-zero targets while further contributing to global plastic pollution.
Conclusion
The findings of CleanHub’s report underscore the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to address plastic waste management effectively. Without serious action, the environmental and ecological consequences of plastic pollution will continue to escalate, posing significant threats to marine life, ecosystems, and human health.
