‘UK is third highest exporter of waste’, says Cleanhub 

The study published last week, has ranked the 10 countries that export and import the most plastic waste annually.  

It suggested that these countries export more than 4.4 million tonnes of plastic waste per year, and account for 71% of all plastic waste exports. 

Cleanhub has highlighted that many governments are “reluctant to release official figures” and has compiled its data from industry and scientific reports. 

Waste 

Germany is said to top the chart of top exporters, annually dispatching 688,067 tonnes of plastic waste according to the research. Japan closely follows behind Germany, exporting 606,374 tonnes. 

The UK is in third place, exporting 600,000 tonnes of plastic waste. Additionally, the Netherlands exports 576,702 tonnes. In fifth place is the US, which exports 431,841 tonnes.  

Belgium contributes 391,263 tonnes to the export pool. France exports 344,367 tonnes which puts it in seventh place. Italy’s contribution stands at 205,621 tonnes and Canada exports 201,780 tonnes. In 10th place is Austria, who exports 174,976 tonnes. 

The Netherlands emerges as the top importer, receiving 796,234 tonnes, with Turkey securing its position as the second highest importer, accepting 622,781 tonnes. Germany also plays a significant role as an importer, acquiring 503,268 tonnes.   

The US also imports a substantial amount equalling 446,831 tonnes. The fifth highest importer is Vietnam, receiving 378,944 tonnes while Malaysia imports 351,284 tonnes.

Belgium is one of France’s primary importers, acquiring 282,980 tonnes, while Austria imports 245,079 tonnes. The study shows that Czechia imports 203,853 tonnes, while Indonesia imports 194,130 tonnes annually. 

Challenge  

Nikki Stones, vice president of marketing at CleanHub, said: “Plastic waste exports are a key challenge when tackling the plastic pollution problem. Countries that have the capability to properly process plastics are instead handing over recycling responsibility to countries without the infrastructure, that often either dump or burn it, creating toxic water and air supplies. 

“And given many governments are reluctant to release official figures on plastic waste exports, the true figures could be worse than we thought. Like any environmental issue, plastic pollution is a problem we can only solve if we work together.” 

Pollution  

The report also highlights that approximately 5% of ocean plastic pollution, totalling around 635,000 tonnes, stems from these exports, comprising bottles, bags, plates and various waste items.  

According to Cleanhub, the practice of illegally burning or dumping exported plastic waste contributes to air and water pollution in recipient countries, releasing toxic chemicals into the environment.

Additionally, it reports that the transportation of five million tonnes of plastic exports annually generates 320,900 tonnes of CO2 emission.