It is estimated that some 3.1 billion metric tons of plastics accumulated in the global economy between 1970 and 2019. Plastics that are no longer in use (plastic waste) are disposed of at landfills, incinerated, or collected for recycling. However, a share of plastic waste is also mismanaged and littered. This mismanaged waste often leaks into waterways causing marine pollution. Between 1970 and 2019, an estimated 109 million metric tons of plastics accumulated in rivers and lakes, while 30 million metric tons are thought to have accumulated in the ocean. This waste will pollute these environments for several decades, impacting marine life and ecosystems.
Estimated accumulation of plastics stock worldwide from 1970 to 2019, by end location
(in million metric tons)
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OECD. (June 3, 2022). Estimated accumulation of plastics stock worldwide from 1970 to 2019, by end location (in million metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 21, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1357681/accumulated-plastic-waste-stock-worldwide/
OECD. "Estimated accumulation of plastics stock worldwide from 1970 to 2019, by end location (in million metric tons)." Chart. June 3, 2022. Statista. Accessed December 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1357681/accumulated-plastic-waste-stock-worldwide/
OECD. (2022). Estimated accumulation of plastics stock worldwide from 1970 to 2019, by end location (in million metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 21, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1357681/accumulated-plastic-waste-stock-worldwide/
OECD. "Estimated Accumulation of Plastics Stock Worldwide from 1970 to 2019, by End Location (in Million Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 3 Jun 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1357681/accumulated-plastic-waste-stock-worldwide/
OECD, Estimated accumulation of plastics stock worldwide from 1970 to 2019, by end location (in million metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1357681/accumulated-plastic-waste-stock-worldwide/ (last visited December 21, 2024)
Estimated accumulation of plastics stock worldwide from 1970 to 2019, by end location (in million metric tons) [Graph], OECD, June 3, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1357681/accumulated-plastic-waste-stock-worldwide/
