Countries Generating the Most Plastic Waste

About This Dataset

Countries ranked by total plastic waste generation in 2024, measured in millions of metric tonnes according to Our World in Data and UNEP data. The United States generates more plastic waste than any other country — both in absolute terms and per capita — though China and India produce the largest quantities in Asia due to population scale.

✨ AI Insight

The data reveals a stark contrast in plastic waste generation among the leading countries. The United States stands out with 42.0 million tonnes, which is nearly double that of India, the second-largest producer at 26.3 million tonnes. China's production of 21.6 million tonnes further underscores the impact of population density on waste generation. Interestingly, Brazil, Indonesia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Mexico collectively contribute significantly less, with Brazil generating 11.3 million tonnes and Indonesia 9.1 million tonnes. This disparity suggests that while population size is a factor, consumption patterns, waste management practices, and regulatory frameworks also play crucial roles in determining plastic waste output. The trend indicates an urgent need for these leading nations to implement more effective waste reduction strategies.

Source: Our World in Data

Key Findings

Auto-computed highlights from this dataset

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United States leads with 42 in 2024.

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Average value in 2024: 16 · median: 10.

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Gap in 2024: United States is 8.6× larger than United Kingdom.