Current practices of plastic waste management, environmental impacts, and potential alternatives for reducing pollution and improving management

Plastic products are indispensable across various applications, yet their disposal poses significant environmental hazards, such as groundwater contamination, soil degradation, and marine ecosystem threats, impacting both human health and ecological balance. Key issues include rapid development and population growth, inadequate technical skills for hazardous waste management, insufficient infrastructure for recycling, and a general lack of awareness regarding regulations. This study offers a comprehensive analysis of plastic waste generation, its sources, current management practices, and its environmental impacts, along with mitigation measures. Globally, predictions indicate that plastic production could…