A lot of ‘recycled’ plastic is being burned overseas – and causing widespread pollution linked to health problems

As more countries ban waste imports, plastic waste generators like the US will need to find better solutions. A few states are putting more responsibility on producers.

By: Ellen M. Considine, University of Colorado Boulder, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 2, 2026

Words: 1,204

Last Updated: 1 month, 1 week ago

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By Ellen M. Considine, University of Colorado Boulder

Picture a pile of trash the size of Manhattan and taller than one and a half Empire State Buildings. That’s how much plastic waste the world is predicted to be generating every year by 2050 if nothing is done to change course.

It’s easy to think of recycling as the solution, but the vast majority of plastic waste now ends up in landfills, or worse. …

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