Effective Strategies for Plastic Waste Management

Abstract

Plastics, lauded for their versatility and cost-effectiveness, have permeated every aspect of modern life, widely used in industries from construction to healthcare. However, their exponential increase has given rise to an important problem: the growing threat of plastic waste. This study aims to further study the widespread impact of plastic waste and devise sustainable strategies to manage this waste, moving beyond conventional landfilling. The environmental impact of plastic waste is catastrophic and a threat to ecosystems and human health. The non-biodegradable nature of plastic and its persistence in landfills contribute to the problem, causing photodegradation that causes plastic to break down into small particles that can ability to enter the food chain. Additionally, improper disposal will lead to toxic emissions during combustion, exacerbating health risks and environmental degradation. The study highlights the urgency of implementing sustainable waste management strategies. It explores a range of innovative approaches, including biological and chemical recycling, incineration, photocatalysis and plasma pyrolysis, as viable alternatives to traditional landfills. These approaches offer promising pathways to reducing the harmful effects of plastic waste, focusing on the transition to a circular economy. In advocating these strategies, this study argues for increased awareness and proactive measures to combat the growing plastic waste crisis. The comprehensive exploration of different approaches serves as a call for collaborative efforts to promote environmental sustainability and reshape waste management practices worldwide.