Research by Compare the Market reveals the countries that produce the largest amount of plastic waste each day
The population of United States generates 109.96 million kg worth of plastic waste per day
The United States could re-create 12 Eiffel Towers every single day based on one years’ waste
As World Recycling Day approaches on the 18th of March, research1 by comparethemarket.com.au reveals the countries that are responsible for producing the largest overall amount of plastic waste in kilograms per day.
Compare the Market also took the weight of 10 popular landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower2, to highlight the number of times each one could be replicated based on plastic waste in each location.
China is the worst offender with a plastic waste generation equivalent to 169.12m kg per day, equaling 18 Eiffel Towers every single day, closely followed by the U.S that could re-create the Eiffel Tower 12 times based on one days’ waste.
Germany comes in at third place, and based on the country’s wastage, could re-create 4.40 Eiffel Towers in a single day. Turkey scrapes tenth, with an equivalent of 17.68m plastic waste each day, equating to 1 Eiffel Tower each day.
There are a number of locations that have a surprisingly low level of waste, as can be seen with India; the 1.36bn population wastes the least of all locations included (0.01kg). Several African countries such as Mozambique and Tanzania, also keep plastic waste generation low.
Brett Mifsud, General Manager of Household at Compare the Market, said: “Recycling plastic, as well as other materials, is incredibly important. The more plastic recycled and reused each day, the less raw materials will be relied on, which in turn will keep greenhouses gases low and work to reduce our carbon footprint.
As our research highlights, there is more that countries can be doing to limit plastic generation and protect the environment.”
To find out more about the study, and to see where your country ranks, visit: https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/energy/a-skyline-of-waste/
