The role of plastic waste management in combating climate change

Plastic waste management has a key role to play in combating climate change. Plastics’ life cycle contributes to greenhouse gas emissions at every stage, leading to the two interconnected stressors of climate change and plastic pollution. Investing in effective plastic waste management can mitigate the impacts of climate change by reducing GHG emissions associated with the production and management of plastics.

Overall preventing mismanaged plastic wastes could result in 229 million tonnes of CO2-eq reduction by 2030

Mismanaged plastic waste rates in Southeast Asia and India range from 50% to 75%. By diverting the current mismanaged plastic waste towards recycling, the six Asian countries studied could reduce their GHG emissions by 38 million tonnes of CO2-eq. Cumulatively, the reduction could be 229 million tonnes of CO2-eq, equivalent to shutting down 61 coal-fired power plants for a year. Such a reduction could help close the gap between global GHG emissions and the levels necessary to limit warming to 1.5°C.

Avoid open burning of plastic wastes

Open burning is a common practice in countries with inadequate municipal solid waste management, providing a cheap and quick way of disposing of uncollected waste. Open burning contributes substantially to the carbon footprint of plastic waste, ranging from 24% to 94% of the total plastic waste, across the countries studied. Diverting plastic waste to more effective waste management systems, such as recycling or sanitary landfills, could significantly reduce GHG emissions.

Avoid incineration and waste-to-energy approaches

Incineration and waste-to-energy approaches emit GHG emissions and are an emerging part of waste management strategies. Assuming a “business-as-usual” approach with existing incineration infrastructure by 2030 could result in the emission of 20 million tonnes of CO2-eq emissions. However, a recycling investment approach based on the recycling targets set by the six governments could avoid two million tonnes of CO2-eq emissions.

Meeting the national recycling targets can result in 10% reduction in global GHG emissions

Across the six countries, the recycling rate for plastics varies, resulting in carbon savings ranging from 0.60 kg to 0.92 kg for every kilogram of plastic waste treated. Proper plastic waste management and recycling will make substantial contributions to the fight against climate change and could help investors transform the waste and recycling industry into a climate-resilient infrastructure asset class, providing benefits to the economy, society, and the environment.

Overall, the report highlights important insights for policymakers and investors, indicating an urgent need to invest in plastic waste management and recycling solutions in Southeast Asia and India, particularly those that prioritise avoiding open burning and incineration. The report recommends that businesses and governments shift policies towards supporting efficient waste management systems such as recycling, as these measures could potentially bring about a 10% reduction in global GHG emissions from plastics end-of-life.