A single-use plastic water bottle sits amongst a pile of seaweed on the shore of Frobisher Bay in Iqaluit on Friday, Aug. 2, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick skp/GAC
New Canadian data spanning nine years from 2012 to 2020 highlight a concerning reality: more than 15 billion plastic bottles and up to 14 billion plastic grocery bags became litter in Canada's environment. The statistics, compiled by Statistics Canada to support the federal government's "zero-plastic waste agenda," underscore the scale of the plastic pollution problem in the country.
Published in March ahead of global plastic treaty negotiations in Ottawa, the report aims to provide insights into Canada's plastic consumption and waste management practices. The ongoing negotiations, overseen by the United Nations environment office, seek international consensus on eliminating plastic waste by 2040.
The report reveals that Canada produced or imported 7.1 million tonnes of plastic in 2020, marking a 28% increase from 2012. Packaging accounted for nearly one-third of the plastic used, with construction plastics making up one-fifth. Additionally, a significant portion went towards manufacturing vehicles and electronics.
Of the total plastic produced, almost five million tonnes were discarded, mostly ending up in landfills. Only about one-sixth was diverted for recycling, though the report lacks data on the actual recycling rates. A 2019 study commissioned by the federal government found that less than one-tenth of plastic waste in Canada is recycled, with some recyclables ending up in landfills due to processing limitations.
The report estimates that nearly 350,000 tonnes of plastic leaked into the environment between 2012 and 2020. Of this, plastic packaging accounted for the largest share, including plastic bottles and bags. The staggering figures translate to approximately 15.5 billion plastic disposable water bottles and 14.4 billion single-use plastic grocery bags.
Alice Zhu, a PhD candidate in ecology at the University of Toronto, conducted a study revealing that 4,000 tonnes of plastic leak into the environment annually in Toronto alone. Various sources contribute to this pollution, including littering, waste blowing out of collection bins, and microplastics shedding from everyday activities like washing clothes and driving.
Plastic pollution poses significant threats to wildlife and ecosystems. Animals can become entangled in plastic debris or ingest it, leading to injury, starvation, and death. Moreover, microplastics are increasingly found in food and water sources, raising concerns about their potential health impacts on humans, including hormone disruptions and cancer risks.
Plastics, derived mainly from fossil fuels, consist of numerous chemicals. Efforts to address plastic pollution require comprehensive strategies that target all stages of the plastic lifecycle. This includes reducing the production of virgin plastic, prioritizing the use of recycled materials, and implementing measures to minimize plastic leakage into the environment.
Municipalities play a crucial role in harmonizing recycling programs to reduce consumer confusion and improve recycling rates. Standardizing accepted materials across jurisdictions can streamline recycling efforts and increase overall effectiveness.
The disparities in recycling practices among cities, such as the acceptance of certain types of plastic, highlight the need for cohesive policies and collaboration at all levels of government. By implementing comprehensive strategies and fostering collaboration, Canada can work towards mitigating its plastic pollution problem and achieving its zero-plastic waste goals.
