Latin America is experiencing a growing plastic pollution crisis, particularly after China’s 2018 ban on importing plastic waste. The region is now importing more used and discarded plastic, overwhelming existing waste infrastructure.
New research indicates that the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and Paraguay have become plastic pollution hotspots. This occurs where high imports of low-quality plastics intersect with high rates of mismanaged waste. Experts and the U.N. warn of significant consequences for human health as this plastic leaks into the environment.
Source: Mongabay