New study report proposes solutions for ocean plastic waste

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Washington-based Ocean Conservancy has published a new report that analyzes the consequences of rising ocean debris and proposes innovative solutions for reducing plastic waste in oceans around the world.

The study report titled “Stemming the Tide: Land-Based Strategies for a Plastic-Free Ocean” outlines solutions to deal with ocean plastic waste. The report was developed by Ocean Conservancy in partnership with McKinsey Center for Business & Environment. The project was also supported by the Trash Free Seas Alliance, the American Chemistry Council (ACC), World Wildlife Fund and the Recycling and Economic Development Initiative of South Africa (REDISA).

The findings of the new study were based on an earlier study which had stated that the marine debris around the world totaled anywhere between 5.3 million and 14 million tons of plastic waste in 2010. The new study identifies five countries that leak most of this waste into oceans. China tops the list, followed by Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand. These countries have large coastal areas with heavy population and have relatively lesser access to proper waste management systems, the study noted.

The report proposes to implement proper systems to close the leakage points within the collection systems in these countries. Closely monitored system to curb illegal dumping and improving landfills near waterways could lead to less plastic waste landing in oceans. The report outlines a series of proactive steps through which plastic pollution by these 5 countries could be diminished by 65%. This should lead to 45% reduction in plastic waste ending up in oceans globally.

The report also proposes other solutions such as increasing waste collection rates, widespread usage of waste-to-fuel or waste-to-energy technologies to treat waste, converting discarded plastic into refuse-derived fuel (RDF).

The report warns that lack of concerted global action could result in oceans having at least 1 ton of plastic waste for every 3 tons of fish by 2025.