Monitoring Trade in Plastic Waste and Scrap 2025

This report examines how global trade in plastic waste is changing, especially in response to new international regulations like the Basel Convention. It explores whether such agreements are effectively curbing the cross-border movement of hard-to-recycle or potentially harmful plastic waste.

Findings show a continued decline in plastic waste trade through 2023, with nearly half occurring within Europe. Comparing trends in plastic and paper waste suggests that international rules are indeed reducing overall volumes, evidence that policy interventions can work.

The report also offers insights to help policymakers ensure plastic waste is managed more safely and sustainably.