Non-biodegradable plastic waste

Plastic wastes present formidable problems as they are at present not

biodegradable, are bulky and can resist incineration. Incineration in
fact may not be possible due to production of noxious or toxic fumes.
Inadequate levels of recycling aggravate the waste problem. In
addition, in a world where plastic production may, in a decade, reach
over 60 million metric tons per year, plastic waste is a major loss of an
important commodity

In Somalia, nylon bags discarded by purchasers of Qat (the narcotic-

like green leaf which most Somali males buy and chew) cause severe
problems for native vegetation. The bags become wrapped in their
branches and around their roots. The plants cannot get adequate air,
water and sus to sustain themselves and many die

Companies such as Coca Cola and Pepsi have captured major market
shares in India, but have not taken any interest in ensuring the plastic
Bottles (made of PET) are recycled. While the old glass bottles were
reused, PET scrap is not worth enough to ensure recovery because the
two PET recyclers are importing subsidized scrap from Europe and the
USA. As a result, plastic bottles and thin-film bags are littered
everywhere in India, blighting heritage areas, blocking drains and
killing cows. Laws requiring use of virgin materials and thicker bags
have not solved the problem.