The Importance of Plastic Waste Management Market
The Importance of Plastic Waste Management Market
Blog Article
The world is full of trash, literally. In a single day, a person can produce more than two kilograms of waste, which constitutes 800 kilograms per year. Plastic has a quite large contribution to total waste. Imagine how much waste that all populations in the world can produce that will end up either in a landfill or the ocean.
Therefore, there is an environmental need to implement proper plastic waste management. Many governments and organizations have recognized this importance, thereby driving the growth of global plastic waste management market. According to a research firm, GMI Research, the plastic waste management market size touched USD 35.4 billion in 2022, and it is estimated would keep growing over the coming years.
The Methods of Waste Management
There are many ways to manage waste and reduce the potential for contamination.
- Landfill
Landfill is a specifically designed system and facilities that is well-engineered for the disposal of waste materials. The landfill should be designed in compliance with regulations in order to protect the environment. Not only to contain waste, but the landfill is also important to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure cleanliness. There are at least three landfill types, such as industrial, hazardous, and municipal solid waste. - Recycling
Recycling has significant impacts in reducing waste. It includes collecting, sorting, and processing. This can lower the waste amount sent to landfills and reduce carbon emissions.
Recycling is only one out of five Rs that can minimize waste. The other four are Refuse which avoid acquiring waste in the first place, Reduce which minimizes waste production, Reuse by reusing waste material and avoid single-use plastics, and Repurpose which is a creative way to turn waste into something more useful. - Incineration
When there is a harmful material, specific steps should be taken to prevent contamination. This can be done by burning hazardous items at high temperatures. The process will convert the waste into gas or ash. - Bacterial digestion
This waste management requires bacteria to break down biological material such as food waste without oxygen present. This process can produce biogas as the output, thus playing a role in a circular economy. - Convert waste into energy
Instead of piling up non-hazardous waste in a landfill, it can be converted into energy for electricity or power, which can be a productive waste management system.
Why is It Important?
There are several reasons why plastic waste management is important.
- Minimize landfill overflow
By reducing the volume of plastic waste, this waste management can lower the risk of landfill overflow. Overflowing landfills can pose huge problems. The decomposing waste process can release methane that is dangerous to the environment and contributes to climate change. If not properly controlled, it can also generate air pollution. - Limit plastic waste
Plastic waste management is also crucial to limit plastic waste that can negatively impact human health and the environment. Not only does it create pollution, but plastic waste can also threaten hundreds of species of wildlife if they accidentally swallow the waste. The microplastics in the ocean can also be consumed by underwater wildlife and move up in the food pyramid. - Upgrade living standard
Without adequate waste management, air, water, and soil can be extremely impacted. Waste management can upgrade our living standard by improving food product quality and better air quality. Furthermore, with proper formal waste management, the workers can receive better compensation and will be well-protected from dangerous materials.
What Drives the Market to Grow?
Besides its many benefits, there are several variables that drive the plastic waste management market to grow.
- Corporate environmental commitment
The rising implementation of corporate environmental responsibility drives sustainability initiatives to mitigate their environmental footprint. These efforts can include a better waste management system and urging recycling campaigns that can further foster the growth of plastic waste management market. - Stringent government regulations regarding waste
Many governments in various countries have increasingly imposed strict regulations to manage waste. For example, is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in the United States that include the regulation to treat, transport, and disposal of hazardous waste. These stricter regulations can further foster the market of plastic waste management to grow. - Growing demand for sustainable packaging
As there is a rising demand for green packaging, plastic waste management can contribute to meeting the supply. Sustainable packaging refers to any wrapping that uses an environmental approach, either it can be recycled or made from compostable packaging.
Nonetheless, there are some challenges that the market needs to address. There can be a high cost to collect and transport plastic waste that can be a hurdle for this market, especially for a country or organization that lacks funding. In addition, a poor waste management system and infrastructure may also hamper the growth of this market. Report this page