In 2019, the United States was the largest producer of plastic waste worldwide, with roughly 73 million metric tons produced. China followed in second, with over 65 million metric tons. Combined, these two countries accounted for almost 40 percent of global plastic waste generation that year.
Plastic waste generation worldwide in 2019, by region
(in million metric tons)
Characteristic
Plastic waste generation in million metric tons
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Exclusive Premium Statistic
To access all Premium Statistics, you need a paid Statista Account
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how Statista can support your business.
OECD. (February 9, 2022). Plastic waste generation worldwide in 2019, by region (in million metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved September 10, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1427498/global-plastics-waste-generation-by-region/
OECD. "Plastic waste generation worldwide in 2019, by region (in million metric tons)." Chart. February 9, 2022. Statista. Accessed September 10, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1427498/global-plastics-waste-generation-by-region/
OECD. (2022). Plastic waste generation worldwide in 2019, by region (in million metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: September 10, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1427498/global-plastics-waste-generation-by-region/
OECD. "Plastic Waste Generation Worldwide in 2019, by Region (in Million Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 9 Feb 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1427498/global-plastics-waste-generation-by-region/
OECD, Plastic waste generation worldwide in 2019, by region (in million metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1427498/global-plastics-waste-generation-by-region/ (last visited September 10, 2024)
Plastic waste generation worldwide in 2019, by region (in million metric tons) [Graph], OECD, February 9, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1427498/global-plastics-waste-generation-by-region/
