The amount of plastic waste generated worldwide is projected to triple by 2060, to surpass one billion metric tons. This dramatic growth is set to be fueled by rising populations and economic growth. With so much plastic waste generated, proper waste management will be urgently needed to reduce environmental impact. However, projections show that landfilling will continue to be the main disposal method worldwide by 2060, with recycling accounting for less than 20 percent. Much of the plastic waste generated over the coming four decades will be caused by packaging.
Projected plastic waste generation worldwide from 2019 to 2060
(in million metric tons)
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Projected plastic waste generation worldwide from 2019 to 2060
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Figures refer to plastic waste after disposal of recycling residues and litter collection.
Values were calculated by Statista based on the figures provided by the source.
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Statista. (June 3, 2022). Projected plastic waste generation worldwide from 2019 to 2060 (in million metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved April 02, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1338839/global-plastic-waste-generation-outlook/
Statista. "Projected plastic waste generation worldwide from 2019 to 2060 (in million metric tons)." Chart. June 3, 2022. Statista. Accessed April 02, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1338839/global-plastic-waste-generation-outlook/
Statista. (2022). Projected plastic waste generation worldwide from 2019 to 2060 (in million metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: April 02, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1338839/global-plastic-waste-generation-outlook/
Statista. "Projected Plastic Waste Generation Worldwide from 2019 to 2060 (in Million Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 3 Jun 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1338839/global-plastic-waste-generation-outlook/
Statista, Projected plastic waste generation worldwide from 2019 to 2060 (in million metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1338839/global-plastic-waste-generation-outlook/ (last visited April 02, 2025)
Projected plastic waste generation worldwide from 2019 to 2060 (in million metric tons) [Graph], Statista, June 3, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1338839/global-plastic-waste-generation-outlook/
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