11.11 - Plastic Waste

The problem with plastic waste

• Addition polymers are chemically unreactive and cannot be broken down by microbes; they are non-biodegradable.
• Because they don't rot, discarded plastics persist in the environment for centuries.

Three main problems

1. Landfill - Large volumes of plastic are buried because mixed plastics are difficult and expensive to separate. They occupy valuable space indefinitely.
2. Accumulation in oceans - Plastic litter washed into rivers and seas accumulates, harming marine ecosystems and wildlife.
3. Toxic gases from burning - Burning plastics releases useful energy, but it can produce toxic and polluting gases unless carefully controlled.