Zero Waste Statistics By Plastic Waste, Solid Waste and Facts
Updated · Sep 18, 2024
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Editor’s Choice
- General Zero Waste Statistics
- Plastic Waste By Volume Worldwide
- Worldwide Waste Disposed Annually At Selected Landfill Sites 2023
- Top 10 Zero Waste Campuses In 2023 In The USA
- Worldwide Municipal Solid Waste Generation 2016 To 2050
- Projected Electronic Waste Generation Worldwide Between 2024 And 2030
- Top 10 Countries With The Most Plastic Waste Production Annually
- Reusable Water Bottle Market
- Material Used To Make Bags By Type
- Towards A Zero Waste World: Strategies For Every Sector
- Conclusion
Introduction
Zero Waste Statistics: In today’s era, millions of tons of waste are generated every year, and the current generation is more likely to create waste. Unfortunately, this has led to environmental sustainability taking a backseat. As we become more technologically advanced, we seem to care less about the environment. There are various types of waste including food waste, electronic waste, textile waste, packaging waste, paper waste, and construction and demolition waste, all of which contribute to the problem.
According to Zero Waste Statistics, it is crucial to address these waste issues now. If we continue at the current pace of waste generation, our planet will be in serious trouble by 2050 if no action is taken.
Editor’s Choice
- If no action is taken to improve waste management, the worldwide cost of waste management is estimated to reach $640.3 billion by 2050.
- According to the World Bank, around two billion tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated worldwide every year.
- According to a report by the World Economic Forum, waste mismanagement is a leading cause of the triple planetary crises of climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and biodiversity loss.
- Tesla has introduced a Waste Strategy for reusing and recycling materials. In 2020, the company developed its battery recycling system, which recovers 92% of battery cell material.
- Every year, around 100,000 marine animals lose their lives because of the waste plastic lying in the oceans.
- Every year, US landfills receive 167 million tons of waste, of which nearly 50% is typical municipal garbage, 21% is food scraps, 15% is paper or paperboard, and 8% is yard trimmings and wood waste.
- According to a report by Statista, the worldwide municipal solid waste generation was 2.02 billion metric tons in 2016. Furthermore, Zero Waste Statistics estimates that it will reach 2.59 billion metric tons by 2030 and 3.4 billion metric tons by 2050.
- P&G, a consumer goods company, is developing strategies to make consumer packaging reusable and recyclable by 2030 and to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
- 70% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that provide sustainable packaging.
- Of all the waste we generate every year, 37% of solid waste ends up in landfills, 33% goes to open dumps, 11% goes to incinerators, and only 14% of municipal waste is recycled around the world.
General Zero Waste Statistics
- According to a report by the World Economic Forum, waste mismanagement is a leading cause of the triple planetary crises of climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, and biodiversity loss.
- According to the World Bank, around two billion tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated worldwide every year.
- In addition, Zero Waste Statistics estimate that by 2050, it will grow to 3.4 billion tonnes.
- Around a third of waste is estimated to be mismanaged.
- The World Economic Forum estimates that 90% of waste needs to be correctly disposed of in low-income countries.
- If no action is taken to improve waste management, the worldwide cost of waste management is estimated to reach $640.3 billion by 2050.
- Every year, US landfills receive 167 million tons of waste, of which nearly 50% is typical municipal garbage, 21% is food scraps, 15% is paper or paperboard, and 8% is yard trimmings and wood waste.
- P&G, a consumer goods company, is developing strategies to make consumer packaging reusable and recyclable by 2030 and to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
- Furthermore, Tesla has introduced a Waste Strategy for reusing and recycling materials. In 2020, the company developed its battery recycling system, which recovers 92% of battery cell material.
- With 4% of the population,21.5% of total waste is produced in the USA.
- In the USA, every year, 2 billion disposable razors are thrown away.
- A family with four members is responsible for $1,500 in food waste every year.
- Every year, around 100,000 marine animals lose their lives because of the waste plastic lying in the oceans.
- Around 300 million tons of plastic are produced each year, but unfortunately, half of them are for single use.Â
- Zero Waste Statistics show that incorporating a zero waste strategy will save 5 to 7% of the world’s GDP.
- 69% of consumers around the world admit to supporting zero-waste policies.
- Furthermore, 70% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that provide sustainable packaging.
- Of all the waste we generate every year, 37% of solid waste ends up in landfills, 33% goes to open dumps, 11% goes to incinerators, and only 14% of municipal waste is recycled around the world.Â
- According to a report by the UN, solid waste generated every year and packed into standard shipping containers would cover the globe 25 times.
- If no actions are taken, municipal solid waste generation will reach 3.8 billion tons annually by 2050.Â
- The global zero-waste packaging market is estimated to reach $2,490.6 million between 2023 and 2033, growing at a CAGR of 8.8%.Â
- Packaging is the leading contributor to plastic pollution in the world.
- Every year, humans consume between 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles.
- Around 160,000 plastic bags are being used every second in the world.
- 53% of Americans have reusable, BPA-free water bottles.
Plastic Waste By Volume Worldwide
(Reference: statista.com)
In 2015, the worldwide plastic waste volume reached 6.3 billion metric tons. Furthermore, Zero Waste Statistics estimates that by 2050, it will reach 12 billion metric tons.
Worldwide Waste Disposed Annually At Selected Landfill Sites 2023
- Mesquite (Brawley, USA) – 7.3 million tonsÂ
- Sudokwon (Incheon, South Korea) – 6.6 million tons
- Mumbai Landfills (Mumbai, India) – 4 million tons
- Xinfeng (Guangzhou, China) 3.7 million tons
- Apex Regional (Las Vegas, United States) – 3.3 million tons
- Laogang (Shanghai, China ) – 2.9 million tons
- Bantargebang (Jakarta, Indonesia) – 2.6 million tons
- Olusosun (Lagos, Nigeria) – 2.6 million tons
- West New Territories (Hong Kong) – 2.6 million tons
- Delhi Landfills (New Delhi, India) – 2.3 million tons
(Source: statista.com)
Top 10 Zero Waste Campuses In 2023 In The USA
- College of the Atlantic
- University of California, Berkeley
- Cal Poly Humboldt
- Williams College
- Carleton College
- Haverford College
- Wesleyan University
- University of Connecticut
- Macalester College
- University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Worldwide Municipal Solid Waste Generation 2016 To 2050
(Reference: statista.com)
According to a report by Statista, the worldwide municipal solid waste generation was 2.02 billion metric tons in 2016. Furthermore, Zero Waste Statistics estimates that it will reach 2.59 billion metric tons by 2030 and 3.4 billion metric tons by 2050.
Projected Electronic Waste Generation Worldwide Between 2024 And 2030
- 63.3 million metric tons (2024)
- 65.3 million metric tons (2025)
- 67.2 million metric tons (2026)
- 69.2 million metric tons (2027)
- 71.1 million metric tons (2028)
- 72.9 million metric tons (2029)
- 74.7 million metric tons (2030)
(Source: statista.com)
Top 10 Countries With The Most Plastic Waste Production Annually
- United States of America – more than 42 million metric tons
- India – around 9.46 million tonsÂ
- China – 60 million tonnes
- Brazil – 11.3 million tons
- Japan – 9 million tons
- Indonesia 0 7.8 million tons
- Russia – 8.47 million tons
- Germany – 6.5 million tons
- United Kingdom – 6.4 million tons
- Mexico – 5.9 million tons
Reusable Water Bottle Market
- The global market for reusable water bottles is projected to grow from USD 9.3 billion in 2022 to USD 14.6 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 4.7%.
- Reusable water bottles are designed for multiple uses, offering convenience for carrying various beverages like water, health drinks, and tea.
- The market growth is driven by increased consumer awareness, ease of availability, and cost-effectiveness compared to single-use plastic bottles.
- Major growth factors include changing lifestyles, rising disposable incomes, and environmental concerns promoting sustainable choices.
- Manufacturers are focusing on mergers, acquisitions, and product innovations to expand their market presence and offer diverse product ranges.
- Unique dispensing solutions, such as mist dispensers for cooling, are gaining popularity among consumers.
- Stainless steel and copper bottles are preferred for their durability, non-contaminating properties, and ability to maintain beverage temperatures.
- Plastic bottles dominated the market in 2022, capturing 35.5% market share due to lower production costs and extended lifespan.
- Reusable bottles can save consumers up to USD 6,180 over five years compared to disposable plastic bottles.
- Globally, around 8 million tons of plastic enter oceans annually, reinforcing the need for eco-friendly alternatives.
- Supermarkets and hypermarkets accounted for over 38% of market revenue in 2022, driven by consumer preference for one-stop shopping and product variety.
- Insulated bottles are leading the market, offering benefits over traditional plastic bottles, such as temperature maintenance and ease of cleaning.
- The COVID-19 pandemic initially reduced demand for reusable water bottles due to restrictions and reduced outdoor activities.
- Asia Pacific held over 39% of the market share in 2022, driven by government initiatives promoting eco-friendly materials and rapid urbanization.
- North America sees significant demand due to outdoor activities and high consumer awareness about the environmental impacts of plastic bottles.
- Key players in the market include S’well, Klean Kanteen Inc., Tupperware Brands Corp., Nalgene, SIGG Switzerland AG, and Contigo.
- Recent innovations include MOO Water Bottle’s entry into the premium market and CamelBak’s MultiBev, a versatile travel cup and water bottle.
- Trends such as folding water bottles and advanced materials like silicone are gaining traction among consumers.
Material Used To Make Bags By Type
| Reusable Bags | Polypropylene, Polyethylene, cotton, and other durable materials |
| Paper bags | Wood manufacturing residuals, used paper bags, recycled corrugated cardboard. |
| Plastic Bags | Gas or non-renewable petroleum |
(Source: stillwatermn.gov)
According to a report by Stillwater, The birthplace of Minnesota, the above chart shows the material used for the production of plastic, paper, and reusable bags. Furthermore, 15 to 20% of paper bags and 1 to 3% of plastic bags are recycled. On average, a family uses four paper grocery bags, which makes 208 a year.Â
Towards A Zero Waste World: Strategies For Every Sector
Imagine a world without waste. That’s the ambitious goal of the Zero Waste movement, and while achieving complete elimination might seem far-fetched, significant progress needs to be made. Here’s a glimpse into strategies that can help us get there, sector by sector.
The Zero Waste Landscape (2023):
Data from 2023 paints a concerning picture. The average American throws away a staggering 4.5 pounds of trash daily, translating to over $2,000 per year in potential savings through waste reduction. Globally, we generate over 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually, putting immense strain on landfills and ecosystems.
The Power of Prevention:
The core principle of Zero Waste is to prevent waste from being generated in the first place. This applies to all sectors:
- Households:
- Embrace reusable alternatives: Swap single-use plastics for cloth bags, water bottles, and food containers.
- Plan your meals: Reduce food waste by creating grocery lists and meal plans. Compost food scraps for nutrient-rich fertiliser for your garden.
- Repair and reuse: Before tossing something, consider repairs or find a creative way to reuse it.
- Businesses:
- Invest in durable, reusable packaging: Implement a system where customers can refill containers or return packaging for reuse.
- Design for disassembly: Products should be easy to take apart and repair, extending their lifespan.
- Partner with waste-reduction programs: Many organisations offer solutions for businesses to manage waste streams responsibly.
- Governments:
- Implement extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies: Hold manufacturers accountable for their products’ end-of-life cycle, incentivizing sustainable design.
- Support composting programs: Make composting accessible for residents, diverting organic waste from landfills.
- Invest in recycling infrastructure: Upgrade sorting facilities and create robust recycling programs to ensure materials are effectively reprocessed.
The Crucial Role of Education and Awareness:
Changing mindsets is key to achieving Zero Waste. Here are some strategies:
- Public awareness campaigns: Educate people about the environmental and economic costs of waste.
- Educational programs in schools: Integrate waste reduction and responsible consumption practices into school curriculums.
- Community workshops: Organise workshops on composting, repair, and upcycling to empower individuals to adopt Zero Waste practices.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation plays a vital role in Zero Waste:
- Biodegradable materials: Develop and utilise packaging and products that decompose naturally after use.
- Advanced recycling technologies: Invest in technologies that can efficiently reprocess complex materials, minimising waste streams further.
- Waste-to-energy conversion: Explore technologies that convert non-recyclable waste into usable energy.
Collaboration is Key:
Zero Waste is a collective effort. Businesses, governments, and individuals must work together to create a more sustainable future:
- Public-private partnerships: Foster collaboration between governments and businesses to develop and implement effective Zero Waste strategies.
- Community-driven initiatives: Support local initiatives that promote waste reduction and resource sharing within communities.
The Road to Zero Waste:
The journey towards Zero Waste is a marathon, not a sprint. Here are some encouraging signs:
- Many cities worldwide have set ambitious Zero Waste goals, with some aiming for zero waste to landfill by 2050.
- Businesses are increasingly adopting sustainable practices due to consumer demand and potential cost savings.
- Technological advancements offer promising solutions for waste reduction and resource recovery.
By prioritising waste prevention, embracing reusable alternatives, and fostering collaboration, we can move towards a world with minimal waste. Remember, every small step counts. Start by implementing Zero-Waste practices in your household and advocating for change in your community. Together, we can build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Conclusion
Creating a zero-waste world is necessary. Various environmental issues are rising every day. It is now high time that we adopt a zero-waste lifestyle to create a sustainable environment. Not only are industries responsible for garbage and waste, but households share the responsibility equally. As mentioned in the Zero Waste Statistics, millions of tons of food are wasted every day from corners of the world.
To solve various such problems, reusable bags with limited quantities of food should be adopted. By incorporating zero waste policies, natural resources will be saved, and marine life will be improved.
Sources
Joseph D'Souza founded Smartphone Thoughts in 2003 as a personal project to share his insights and experiences with tech gadgets. Over time, it has grown into a well-regarded tech blog, known for its in-depth smartphone reviews and app-related statistics. Joseph is dedicated to providing detailed, well-researched content, including statistics, facts, charts, and graphs, all verified by experts. His goal is to make technological innovations and scientific discoveries easy to understand for everyone. Smartphone Thoughts is now a top source for tech news, appreciated by both tech enthusiasts and beginners.
