Total mismanaged plastic waste (measured in tonnes) versus total coastal population (measured as the population within 50 kilometres of a coastline). Mismanaged waste is material that is either littered or inadequately disposed. Inadequately disposed waste is not formally managed and includes disposal in dumps or open, uncontrolled landfills, where it is not fully contained. Mismanaged waste could eventually enter the ocean via inland waterways, wastewater outflows, and transport by wind or tides.
Interactive visualization requires JavaScript
Our World in Data is free and accessible for everyone.
Help us do this work by making a donation.