Based on an annual estimate of approximately 353,000,000, derived from OECD Global Plastics Outlook (2019 data).
967,123
per day
40,296
per hour
671
per minute
11
per second
29,416,666
per month
224,093,147
so far this year (est.)
Putting It in Perspective
The OECD's 2019 global estimate works out to roughly
45.8 kg
per person each year
when the annual total is divided across the world's population in the source year.
This is a derived global average from the OECD's modelled 2019 total; it is not a country-level measurement.
The world generated an estimated 353 million tonnes of plastic waste in 2019 — about 967,000 tonnes each day. This is an OECD modelled global end-of-life estimate, not a real-time measurement of plastic pollution or plastic production.
At a Glance
Plastic waste generated
353 million tonnes/year
OECD global estimate, 2019
Estimated daily pace
~967,000 tonnes
Derived from the annual estimate
Average per person
~46 kg/year
Derived from the global estimate
Ultimately recycled
9%
After recycling losses
Key Statistics
Plastic waste generated
353 million tonnes
Global estimate, 2019
Average per person
~46 kg/year
Derived from the global estimate
Ultimately recycled
9%
After recycling losses
Sanitary landfill
~50%
Of plastic waste generated
Incinerated
19%
Of plastic waste generated
In Depth
What does the Plastic Waste counter measure?
The counter visualizes the annual pace implied by the OECD's modelled 2019 estimate of plastic waste generated worldwide. It is not a real-time feed, and it does not measure plastic production, plastic use, collection, recycling, landfill, incineration, or environmental leakage as if they were the same thing.
The OECD estimates plastic waste as an end-of-life flow from plastics use, using lifespan distributions. Its global lifecycle assessment reports waste by polymer and application, including major applications such as packaging, consumer products, transport, construction, textiles, and electrical and electronic equipment; it is not limited to municipal waste.
How much plastic waste does the average person generate?
Dividing the OECD's 353 million-tonne global estimate by the world's population in 2019 gives an approximate average of 46 kg of plastic waste per person for that year. This is a derived global average, not a claim that every country or person generated the same amount.
Only 9% of global plastic waste generated in 2019 was ultimately recycled after recycling losses, according to the OECD. Recycling is a destination measure and should not be confused with the total amount of plastic waste generated.
The OECD reports that 19% of plastic waste generated in 2019 was incinerated and almost 50% went to sanitary landfills. The remaining 22% was disposed of in uncontrolled dumpsites, burned in open pits, or leaked into the environment. These categories must not be simplified into a claim that all non-recycled plastic reaches the ocean.
No. Plastic waste generated is the full end-of-life waste flow. Plastic pollution or leakage refers to plastic that escapes into the environment, which is only one possible outcome within the broader waste-management system.
How much plastic waste is generated worldwide every year?
The OECD Global Plastics Outlook estimates that the world generated 353 million tonnes of plastic waste in 2019. It is a modelled global end-of-life estimate, not a live measurement.
How much plastic waste is generated worldwide every day?
The live counter calculates approximately 967,123 tonnes of plastic waste generated per day from the OECD's 2019 annual estimate. It visualizes the pace implied by that historical baseline across the current calendar year.
What does the Plastic Waste counter measure?
The counter visualizes the annual pace implied by the OECD's modelled 2019 estimate of plastic waste generated worldwide. It is not a real-time feed, and it does not measure plastic production, plastic use, collection, recycling, landfill, incineration, or environmental leakage as if they were the same thing.
What counts as plastic waste in this estimate?
The OECD estimates plastic waste as an end-of-life flow from plastics use, using lifespan distributions. Its global lifecycle assessment reports waste by polymer and application, including major applications such as packaging, consumer products, transport, construction, textiles, and electrical and electronic equipment; it is not limited to municipal waste.
How much plastic waste does the average person generate?
Dividing the OECD's 353 million-tonne global estimate by the world's population in 2019 gives an approximate average of 46 kg of plastic waste per person for that year. This is a derived global average, not a claim that every country or person generated the same amount.
How much plastic waste is recycled?
Only 9% of global plastic waste generated in 2019 was ultimately recycled after recycling losses, according to the OECD. Recycling is a destination measure and should not be confused with the total amount of plastic waste generated.
Where does plastic waste go?
The OECD reports that 19% of plastic waste generated in 2019 was incinerated and almost 50% went to sanitary landfills. The remaining 22% was disposed of in uncontrolled dumpsites, burned in open pits, or leaked into the environment. These categories must not be simplified into a claim that all non-recycled plastic reaches the ocean.
Is plastic waste the same as plastic pollution?
No. Plastic waste generated is the full end-of-life waste flow. Plastic pollution or leakage refers to plastic that escapes into the environment, which is only one possible outcome within the broader waste-management system.
Context Beyond the Numbers
The OECD estimates that 353 million tonnes of plastic waste were generated globally in 2019, more than double the 156 million tonnes estimated for 2000.
Only 9% of plastic waste generated in 2019 was ultimately recycled after recycling losses, according to the OECD.
The OECD reports that 19% of 2019 plastic waste was incinerated and almost 50% went to sanitary landfills.
The remaining 22% was disposed of in uncontrolled dumpsites, burned in open pits, or leaked into the environment; this combined category should not be treated as a measure of ocean pollution.
Under the OECD's baseline policy scenario, global plastics use and waste are projected to continue rising sharply through 2060 without more ambitious policy action.