A groundbreaking study published in Nature by researchers from the University of Leeds reveals the alarming scale of uncollected rubbish and open burning of plastic waste globally. Using artificial intelligence to model waste management in over 50,000 municipalities worldwide, the researchers estimated that 52 million tonnes of plastic entered the environment in 2020. This volume of waste, if laid out, would encircle the Earth 1,500 times. The study found that more than two-thirds of the planet’s plastic pollution results from uncollected waste, affecting around 1.2 billion people—15% of the global population—who lack access to proper waste collection services. This waste is often dumped in open spaces, rivers, or burned in uncontrolled fires, which releases harmful chemicals and poses severe health risks, including neurodevelopmental, reproductive, and birth defects. The study shows that 30 million tons of plastic will be burned in 2020, which is 57% of all plastic pollution. India emerged as the largest contributor to plastic pollution in 2020, producing 9.3 million tons, followed by Nigeria (3.5 million tons) and India (3.4 million tons).
China, the largest emitter, has improved waste management and is now in fourth place. Low- and middle-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, are becoming hotspots for plastic pollution due to poor waste management systems. As the population grows rapidly, scientists fear that the region will become the largest source of plastic pollution in the coming decades. Dr. Costas Willis and Dr. Josh Cotham from the University of Leeds highlight the urgent need to address the problem of uncollected waste and open burning, affecting poor communities in the world. They argue that access to waste collection should be considered a basic need, along with water and sanitation services. The study calls for international action and the creation of a legally binding “Plastic Pact” to reduce the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution. By providing the world’s first comprehensive overview of plastic pollution, this study aims to help policy makers develop waste management, resource recovery and circular economy initiatives to address this growing environmental problems.