environment
Germany was largest exporter of plastic waste in 2025, sending 810,000 tonnes overseas, analysis finds
UK was close behind, exporting 675,000 tonnes, with much of the waste sent to Turkey, Malaysia and Indonesia
TL;DR
- Germany was the largest exporter of plastic waste in 2025, sending over 810,000 tonnes abroad.
- The UK followed, exporting over 675,000 tonnes, its highest level in eight years.
- Much of this waste was sent to Turkey, Malaysia, and Indonesia, countries linked to environmental damage, illegal dumping, and labor abuses.
- Larger countries like the US and China export less plastic waste due to greater domestic handling and fewer recycling target pressures.
- The EU plans to ban exports of plastic waste to countries outside the OECD by November 2026, but half is still being sent to those destinations.
- There are concerns that the ban could redirect exports to developing OECD countries like Turkey, which already have overwhelmed waste infrastructure.
- Activists describe the situation as 'waste colonialism', highlighting the disproportionate burden on receiving countries.
- While the UK is implementing stricter controls on waste exports, campaigners argue they don't go far enough to address the core issues.
- Experts suggest that as long as plastic production volume remains high, waste will continue to be displaced, and domestic incineration may increase.