The issue at hand revolves around the dangers arising from plastic recycling. The discussion stems from a report titled “Forever Toxic: The Science on Health Threats from Plastic Recycling” by Greenpeace Philippines, which was unveiled at the Second Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee Meet in Paris. The report challenges the widely held belief that recycling is a viable solution to the mounting problem of plastic pollution.
Key Findings of the Report
The report draws attention to the fact that recycled plastics often have higher concentrations of toxic substances such as flame retardants, benzene, and other carcinogens, alongside environmental pollutants including brominated and chlorinated dioxins. Moreover, they contain numerous endocrine disruptors which can alter the body’s natural hormone levels. Plastics, in general, contain over 13,000 chemicals. Among these, 3,200 are known hazards to human health.
Poisonous Pathways of Recycled Plastic
There are primarily three routes through which recycled plastic can accumulate toxic substances. First, direct contamination from harmful chemicals in virgin plastic. Second, substances like pesticide containers or cleaning solvents entering the recycling chain and contaminating the plastic. Lastly, the recycling process itself, particularly when plastics are heated.
Increase in Plastic Fires and Production
The surge in plastic stockpiles raises the risk of large fires, especially at recycling facilities storing e-waste plastics with used batteries. Notably, a 2022 survey found a record-high 390 fires at plastic recycling and waste facilities across the United States and Canada. Simultaneously, the production of plastic is predicted to triple by 2060. Since the 1950s, about 8 billion tonnes of plastic has been produced, with only a meager 9% ever being recycled.
Hazardous Implications of Plastic Production
Plastic production, disposal, and incineration facilities are predominantly located in marginalized, low-income communities worldwide. These communities face higher rates of cancer, lung disease, and adverse birth outcomes due to exposure to the toxic chemicals associated with plastics.
Recommendations for Reducing Global Plastic Pollution
According to the report, an 80% reduction in global plastic pollution by 2040 is achievable if deep policy shifts and a transition to a circular economy take place. The only real solution to ending plastic pollution is massively reducing plastic production. This entails developing an ambitious, legally binding Global Plastics Treaty that fosters safe, toxics-free materials and reuse-based, zero-waste economies.
About Plastic Pollution
Unlike biodegradable waste like paper or food peels, plastic waste persists in the environment for centuries due to its non-biodegradable nature. Microplastics and single-use plastics add substantially to this pollution. The former comprises small plastic pieces less than five millimetres in size used in cosmetics and personal care products, industrial scrubbers, textiles, and plastic manufacturing processes. The latter is disposable material used once before being discarded or recycled—plastic bags, water bottles, soda bottles, straws, plastic plates, cups, most food packaging, and coffee stirrers fall into this category.
Initiatives to Combat Plastic Pollution
Several initiatives are underway globally to tackle plastic pollution. In India, these include the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2022, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), National Dashboard on Elimination of Single Use Plastic and Plastic Waste Management, and the India Plastics Pact Project REPLAN. Globally, initiatives such as the European Union’s Directive on Single-Use Plastics and The Global Tourism Plastics initiative are in place.
