*Business-as-Usual assumes no intervention is made in relation to current plastic-related policy, economics, infrastructure, or materials, and that cultural norms and consumer behaviors do not change.
Citation formats
Plastic waste flow worldwide 2016-2040, by treatment
An estimated ** million metric tons of global plastic waste was sent to landfills in 2016. Under current trajectories, this figure is expected to increase to ** million metric tons by 2040. By 2040, plastic recycling will have overtaken landfilling, but will remain well below incineration. The plastic waste crisis is a growing concern worldwide, especially in coastal regions. In 2016, an estimated ** million metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste entered oceans. This quantity is expected to triple by 2040 to almost ** million metric tons. Open burning is another harmful way that plastic waste is commonly disposed of, especially in developing countries.
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ can support your business.
Pew Charitable Trusts. (October 23, 2020). Plastic waste flow worldwide in 2016 with a forecast to 2040 under business-as-usual scenario, by treatment (in million metric tons) [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 25, 2026, from /statistics/1270092/plastic-waste-treatment-and-disposal-projections-worldwide/
Pew Charitable Trusts. "Plastic waste flow worldwide in 2016 with a forecast to 2040 under business-as-usual scenario, by treatment (in million metric tons)." Chart. October 23, 2020. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 25, 2026. /statistics/1270092/plastic-waste-treatment-and-disposal-projections-worldwide/
Pew Charitable Trusts. (2020). Plastic waste flow worldwide in 2016 with a forecast to 2040 under business-as-usual scenario, by treatment (in million metric tons). ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 25, 2026. /statistics/1270092/plastic-waste-treatment-and-disposal-projections-worldwide/
Pew Charitable Trusts. "Plastic Waste Flow Worldwide in 2016 with a Forecast to 2040 under Business-as-usual Scenario, by Treatment (in Million Metric Tons)." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 23 Oct 2020, /statistics/1270092/plastic-waste-treatment-and-disposal-projections-worldwide/
Pew Charitable Trusts, Plastic waste flow worldwide in 2016 with a forecast to 2040 under business-as-usual scenario, by treatment (in million metric tons) ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/1270092/plastic-waste-treatment-and-disposal-projections-worldwide/ (last visited July 25, 2026)
Plastic waste flow worldwide in 2016 with a forecast to 2040 under business-as-usual scenario, by treatment (in million metric tons) [Graph], Pew Charitable Trusts, October 23, 2020. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1270092/plastic-waste-treatment-and-disposal-projections-worldwide/
