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Prevention, minimization and reuse
The waste hierarchy prioritizes waste prevention and minimization, followed by reuse, recycling, other recovery (including energy recovery) and final disposal. Improving production and design…
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The economic costs of marine litter and plastic pollution
The economic costs of marine litter and plastic pollution can be divided into costs incurred during preventive activities, costs of direct damage to equipment…
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Human health impacts of marine plastic waste
The mismanagement of waste has led to microplastic contamination of the whole marine environment, from the shore to the deepest ocean sediments (e.g. Ryan…
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Impacts of plastic waste on the marine environment
The mismanagement of plastic waste has led to contamination of the entire marine environment, from shores to the deepest ocean sediments (e.g. Ryan et…
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Pathways and fate of plastic waste in the marine environment
Plastics enter the oceans via several pathways. Inputs are mainly from rivers, directly from land, sea-based, atmospheric, and to a smaller degree biological. The…
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The COVID-19 pandemic and plastic waste
The pandemic has led to an increase in the production of single-use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable plastic face masks, gloves and…
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Plastic waste and armed conflicts
Conflicts can result in large-scale displacement of communities. People living under these conditions are often provided with minimal waste management facilities. Burn pits are…
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Plastic waste and natural disasters
Natural disasters (e.g. earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes) have the potential to generate a significant amount of waste within a short period. Waste management systems can…
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Trade in plastic waste (2018)
In 2018 China banned plastic waste imports, which had an immediate impact on the global plastic waste trade. By 2019 it had fallen by…
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Trade in plastic waste (2017)
Prior to a change of policy in 2013, China was the world’s main plastic waste recipient, importing almost 50% of the plastic waste exported…
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Global trade in plastic waste (2010-2019)
Global trade in plastic waste (2010-2019).
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Fishing gear lost in the ocean in 2017
Abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) includes netting, mono/multifilament lines, hooks, ropes, floats, buoys, sinkers, anchors, metallic materials and fish aggregating devices…