Improving waste management in low- and middle-income countries is crucial to cutting global plastic pollution by 98%, as high-income countries produce 100 times less plastic pollution per person due to better waste management systems. The main sources of plastic pollution in rich countries are littering, while in poorer countries, uncollected waste and poorly managed disposal sites are the main contributors. Investing in basic waste management infrastructure in low- and lower-middle-income countries is crucial for reducing plastic pollution, as research shows that each dollar spent on upgrading systems in these countries can prevent significantly more plastic pollution compared to spending the same amount in high-income countries. Focusing on waste collection and controlled landfills is more effective and affordable than options like incinerators and recycling plants, highlighting the importance of prioritizing cost-effective waste management solutions to address the plastic pollution crisis and potentially reduce global plastic pollution levels to just 2% of their current levels.
https://ourworldindata.org/why-cheap-waste-management-is-key-to-stopping-plastic-pollution