OECD Reports Halving of Global Plastic Waste Trade Between 2014 and 2024, Significant Decline in 2024
Global trade in plastic waste and scrap has more than halved between 2014 and 2024, according to a working paper by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2024 alone, reported trade saw a significant decline of 7.7%, reaching 6.2 million tonnes, marking the largest year-on-year decrease since 2020. This trend indicates a substantial shift in the international movement of plastic waste. Over the past decade, the destinations for plastic waste trade have also evolved. Exports to China and Hong Kong experienced a notable decline after 2017, while Europe and non-OECD countries in Asia have emerged as the primary destinations for plastic waste. The OECD's analysis tracks these shifts, providing insights into the changing geography of plastic waste trade and its implications for global environmental policies.
