Reformation of plastic waste is very important, leading many countries to engage in it than previously. With plastic waste all around humanity, the question arises as to what can be done to clear this waste and turn it materials that are useful? A study recently conducted shows that only 11 percent of this type of waste are being recycled. The rest are potentially dangerous to people and the environment where they are. Some end up in dumping sites that can be found in major cities around the world.
In Indonesia, plastic waste collection is done by waste pickers who are underrated and misunderstood, as their work go unnoticed. Although these workers contribute a lot to the society, they are not getting the honor they deserve. If more people stop working in that capacity, it means more plastic toxic waste on the environment, which endangers communities. At present, waste found on dump sites are around 15 to 30 percent, and situation could get worse.
In some areas, waste management services cover just five percent of the citizens. Asian countries are notorious for being at the apex of polluting the ocean in the last five years. Pick out India and USA, who have more people than countries like Indonesia. The two countries, unlike other nations are managing waste in the most laudable manner. Japan and Germany also are doing fine regarding plastic waste management. Note that these countries make use of more plastics that most Asian countries.
Plastic materials are part of people’s life, and it is not wrong to use them because they are among most efficient materials available to man. Of all the items people use, it is what helps to reduce carbon radiations and deforestation. Two factors that lead to their mismanagement are lack of financial policies and low perception of issues surrounding plastic use and management. World Bank reveals where the problem may be by claiming that some countries pay about half of the standard cost on waste management.
People need to wake up to the issue of waste management, especially now that plastic industry is receiving a boost. Unfortunately, in some lands, more than half of the populace are not interested in knowing how to manage waste or turn them around for useful purposes. Burning waste or simply disposing it on some property may not be the best way to manage plastic waste. A reformation is really needed, and it could commence by refining financial aspects of waste administration.