How Much Plastic Have Humans Created?

New research shows that humans have produced over 8 billion tons of plastic since 1950 -- and most of that plastic has been discarded, not recycled. The 2017 study published in the journal Science Advances found that about half of that amount was manufactured in the past 13 years alone, fueled significantly by China’s emerging economy. China is now the world’s largest producer of plastic, and also one of the world’s largest plastic recyclers. China recycles 25 percent of its plastic products, compared to only 9 percent of plastic being recycled in the United States.

The long life of plastic:

• Only about 2 billion tons of those plastic products are still in use, the Washington Post reports. And 90 percent of recycled plastic only gets recycled once.
• More than 250,000 tons of plastic are now floating in Earth's oceans, much of it in the form of tiny pieces that can easily be carried by currents -- and harmfully consumed by sea creatures and birds.
• Plastic takes more than 400 years to degrade, so most of it still exists in some form. Only 12 percent has been incinerated, which presents its own set of ecological issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much plastic have humans produced to date?

As of the latest comprehensive studies, humans have produced over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic since the material's large-scale production began in the 1950s. This staggering amount is equivalent to the weight of roughly a billion elephants, showcasing the immense scale of our plastic footprint on the planet.

What percentage of produced plastic is currently waste?

According to research, approximately 6.3 billion metric tons of the plastic produced has become plastic waste. This represents a significant majority of the total plastic produced, highlighting the challenges of plastic disposal and the urgent need for effective recycling and waste management strategies.

How much of the plastic waste has been recycled?

Only about 9% of the plastic waste generated has been recycled. This low recycling rate underscores the need for improved recycling processes and infrastructure, as well as the importance of reducing plastic use and encouraging the development of more sustainable materials.

What is the most common type of plastic produced?

Polyethylene, which includes both high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), is the most commonly produced type of plastic. These plastics are used in a wide array of products, from bottles and containers to plastic bags and packaging materials, due to their versatility and durability.

How does plastic production impact the environment?

Plastic production has profound environmental impacts, including the emission of greenhouse gases during manufacturing, pollution from microplastics in oceans, and harm to wildlife that ingest or become entangled in plastic waste. The persistence of plastic in ecosystems leads to long-term ecological damage, affecting food chains and natural habitats.

What can individuals do to reduce plastic waste?

Individuals can make a significant impact by reducing their use of single-use plastics, supporting and advocating for policies that promote sustainable packaging, participating in local recycling programs, and choosing products made from recycled or biodegradable materials. Consumer choices can drive change in production practices and contribute to a reduction in plastic waste.