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An Imported Environmental Crisis: Plastic Mismanagement in Africa

Author

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  • Gilbert Moyen Massa

    (Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Gumpendorferstrasse 7, Objects 8, 1060 Vienna, Austria)

  • Vasiliki-Maria Archodoulaki

    (Institute of Materials Science and Technology, TU Wien, Gumpendorferstrasse 7, Objects 8, 1060 Vienna, Austria)

Abstract

Plastic waste pollution is currently one of the main items on international agendas. It leads to more and more leakages and constitutes a dangerous threat to living beings and the ecosystem (toxic substances). Globally, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, while 22% of it is mismanaged. A large part of this waste ends up legally or illegally in Africa. This article uses the available data on plastic waste to shed light on the situation in Africa. Particular attention is paid to imports of plastics and the recycling sector, as well as ways to combat improper dumping and to prevent/reduce marine pollution (microplastics). The roles and responsibilities of actors and institutions in Africa will be discussed. It is urgent for the international community, in cooperation with the local plastic/textile industries, to establish an effective and well-structured collection system for plastic and textile waste. This will help maximize the collection rate and minimize landfills through recycling. It is also necessary to encourage both the plastic and textile industries to opt for product designs that use easily recyclable materials (eco-design), and this option is crucial.

Suggested Citation

  • Gilbert Moyen Massa & Vasiliki-Maria Archodoulaki, 2024. "An Imported Environmental Crisis: Plastic Mismanagement in Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-18, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:2:p:672-:d:1317829
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. Bassey, Uduak & Sarquah, Khadija & Hartmann, Michael & Tom, Abasi-ofon & Beck, Gesa & Antwi, Edward & Narra, Satyanarayana & Nelles, Michael, 2023. "Thermal treatment options for single-use, multilayered and composite waste plastics in Africa," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 270(C).
    3. Esteve-Turrillas, F.A. & de la Guardia, M., 2017. "Environmental impact of Recover cotton in textile industry," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 107-115.
    4. Jiajia Zheng & Sangwon Suh, 2019. "Publisher Correction: Strategies to reduce the global carbon footprint of plastics," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 9(7), pages 567-567, July.
    5. Juan A. Conesa & Samuel S. Nuñez & Núria Ortuño & Julia Moltó, 2021. "PAH and POP Presence in Plastic Waste and Recyclates: State of the Art," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-16, June.
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