Our World
in Data

Primary plastic waste generation by polymer

Global primary plastic waste generation by polymer type, measured in tonnes per year. Polymers have been coloured based on recyclability where blue is widelyrecycled; yellow is sometimes recycled depending on local context; and red is usually non-recyclable.

OurWorldInData.org/plastic-pollution •

Source: Geyer et al. (2017)

Note: Polymer types are as follows: LDPE (Low-density polyethylene); HDPE (High-density polyethylene); PP (Polypropylene); PS (Polystyrene); PVC (Polyvinyl chloride); PET (Polyethylene terephthalate);PUT (Polyurethanes); and PP&A fibres (polyester, polyamide, and acrylic fibres).

All our related research and data

Charts

We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website.

By agreeing, you consent to our use of cookies and other analytics tools according to our privacy policy.