Controlling Transboundary Trade in Plastic Waste

Plastics consumption per capita is rapidly growing. Global plastic production has steadily increased to almost 350 million tonnes per year in 2017, growing three times faster than the global gross domestic product. When properly managed, plastic recycling minimizes resource pressures and reduces plastic leakages into the environment. It is fundamental towards pursuing a circular economy and mitigating plastic pollution. Indeed, almost all types of plastics are technically recyclable. Many countries are increasing plastic recycling targets. For instance, a number of countries in Europe and the USA have ambitious recycling targets that heavily rely on transboundary movement of scrap plastic. Low grade scrap plastic is often traded to emerging economies for recycling at a lower cost, which increases profitability at the expense of poor environmental, human health and safety compliance. Better control over transboundary movement of scrap plastic streams is critical to addressing pollution issues including marine plastic litter. However, the extent to which they are recycled depends upon available technology, sorting and logistics. Just as any other globally-traded commodity, macroeconomic indicators and market conditions influence plastics recycling and scrap trade.