This brief shares insights from a study in the People’s Republic of China on how to reduce the plastic reaching rivers and oceans.
The study examined plastic generation and transport in the Mulan River Basin, estimating that 23 tons from solid waste, agricultural films, impermeable surfaces, and sewage enter the ocean annually. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring, control, and incentive measures and the need for targeted interventions such as improving waste management infrastructure, promoting the use of biodegradable agricultural films, and enhancing sewage treatment facilities. The study identifies hotspots and pathways and suggests how local diagnostics can help tailor interventions to specific contexts.