Plastic waste exported by the United Kingdom 2000-2022, by destination
China was the main export destination for the United Kingdom's plastic waste up until 2017, with shipments peaking in 2011 at nearly 312,000 metric tons. Exports to China have plummeted since 2018 following the country's ban on several types of foreign waste imports, including plastic. As a result of the ban, the UK began sending waste to other countries such as Turkey. The Netherlands has also emerged as a leading export market for UK plastic waste – being now the largest destination for UK plastic waste exports – while shipments to developing countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia have all reduced.
