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91% of Plastic Waste Ends in Landfills, Urgent Action Needed

4/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 2022, a staggering 91% of the 437 million tons of plastic produced ended up in landfills or incineration, with incineration alone accounting for 34%. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels for new plastic is deepening our environmental crisis. Experts urgently demand robust policies and market initiatives to boost recycling and combat plastic pollution.

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Story summary

In 2022, a staggering 91% of the 437 million tons of plastic produced ended up in landfills or incineration, with incineration alone accounting for 34%. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels for new plastic is deepening our environmental crisis. Experts urgently demand robust policies and market initiatives to boost recycling and combat plastic pollution.