8 Shocking Plastic Pollution Statistics

Plastic is everywhere in our lives because it’s cheap and convenient. But this comes at a huge cost. Our careless use and disposal of plastic have turned it into one of the biggest environmental issues of our time. Each year, millions of tons of plastic waste end up in the oceans, harming wildlife and ecosystems. Shockingly, 91% of all plastic ever made hasn’t been recycled. With talks underway for a global plastic treaty, it’s more important than ever to understand the serious impact of plastic pollution and to act now to cut down on our plastic use and production before it’s too late to fix the damage.

8 Plastic Pollution Statistics to Know About

1. The world generates 400 million tonnes of plastic waste a year

Plastic first hit the market in 1907, but it wasn’t until 1952 that mass production took off. Since then, plastic production has skyrocketed, growing nearly 200 times. Today, we produce as much plastic each year as two-thirds of the total weight of humanity. Our unchecked use of plastic has led to about 400 million tons of plastic waste being created annually. Sadly, 60% of that waste ends up in the environment or in landfills.

2. The US produces 42 million metric tons of plastic every year, the highest in the world

According to a 2021 U.S. congressional report, the U.S. is the biggest culprit when it comes to plastic pollution. Not only is it a major source of greenhouse gases, but it also produces around 42 million metric tons of plastic waste each year—about 130 kg (287 pounds) per person. That’s nearly double the amount of plastic waste that China generates and more than the total from all the countries in the European Union combined. Each year, an estimated 1.13 to 2.24 million metric tons of this waste ends up leaking into our oceans and environment.

3. Over 8 Million Tons of Plastic Enter Our Oceans Every Year

Every year, at least eight million tons of plastic end up in the ocean because of poor waste disposal and littering. This has led to about 40% of the ocean’s surface being covered in plastic debris. Scientists warn that if we don’t change our habits, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean as soon as 2030.

4. Ocean Plastic Pollution Could Reach 29 Million Metric Tons by 2040

Currently, around 11 million metric tons (or eight million tons) of plastic waste enter our oceans each year, causing serious harm to marine life and ecosystems. Animals can eat or get tangled in plastic, and debris increases the risk of invasive species. A 2020 report predicts that, without intervention, plastic pollution could soar to 29 million metric tons annually within 20 years. However, scientists believe we could cut this by 80% if we reduce plastic production, improve waste management, and invest in recycling.

5. 100,000 Animals Die from Plastic Entanglement Each Year

Each year, between 500,000 and one million tons of abandoned fishing gear, along with plastic bottles, containers, and face masks, end up in the ocean. This discarded equipment, often left by fishermen or washed away from boats and shores, traps and entangles marine animals. As a result, at least 100,000 sea creatures die from suffocation or starvation when they can’t move freely to find food.

Also Read: Plastic Impact on Climate Change

6. Humans Ingest About 5 Grams of Plastic Each Week

Many marine animals accidentally swallow plastic or microplastics, which are tiny bits of plastic that come from larger pieces breaking down. As these plastics move up the food chain, they end up on our plates. According to a 2019 Reuters report, humans consume about five grams of plastic every week—roughly the weight of a bottle cap or half a rice bowl. Over a year, that’s like eating a full dinner plate worth of plastic, and in ten years, it adds up to five pounds. By the end of a lifetime, that could be 44 pounds of plastic!

7. Plastics Set to Release More Greenhouse Gases in the US Than Coal by 2030

Plastic production isn’t just about waste; it also contributes significantly to air pollution and global warming. In the US, plastic production releases 232 million metric tons of greenhouse gases each year, which is roughly the same as emissions from 116.5 gigawatts of coal plants. By 2030, plastic production is expected to surpass coal plants in emissions. Making plastic items, especially food packaging and drink bottles, involves fracking, transporting, and processing, which releases millions of tons of greenhouse gases, including methane, which is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

8. COVID-19 Has Added 25,900 Tons of Plastic Pollution to the Ocean

To fight COVID-19, we’ve seen a huge increase in single-use masks, personal protective equipment (PPE), and plastic disinfectant bottles. Lockdowns and safety measures have also boosted the use of takeaway food packaging. Since the pandemic began, an estimated 8.4 million tons of plastic waste has been generated across 193 countries. Out of this, about 25,900 tons—equivalent to over 2,000 double-decker buses—has ended up in the ocean, according to recent research.