Challenges and solutions for plastic waste management in developing countries
Improving waste management systems by making basic infrastructure upgrades to replace dumpsites (e.g. with properly engineered and managed landfills) could reduce plastic leakage into the environment. Integrating the informal sector into formal waste management strategies can play a key role in plastic waste management in developing countries. However, informal waste management may present problems for both workers (exposing women, men and children to health problems) and the environment.
Strategies that are proving effective in improving waste management include implementing a combination of environmental standards, integrating the informal waste sector to create more organized structures (UNEP 2020), and introducing extended producer responsibility (EPR) and deposit-return schemes (UNEP 2018a). Bans and fees on plastic products have also contributed to preventing plastic waste generation in many developing countries.
Year: 2021
From collection: Drowning in Plastics: Marine Litter and Plastic Waste Vital Graphics
Cartographer: GRID-Arendal