Assessment of plastic waste management practices with a focus onthe reduction of negative externalities – a German approach

Abstract

Throughout the last decades, the production of plastic has increased drastically on an international level. At the same time, this implies an increase in the amount of occurring plastic waste. In this context, the global awareness of negative effects of plastic waste is peaking as well, inspiring campaigns and protests against the waste of this material especially focusing on the harm the waste does to marine wildlife. Focussing on Germany, this thesis provides an overview of the current plastic waste landscape and regulations in place and thereafter assesses the effectiveness of plastic waste management methods regarding the reduction of said negative effects on society and third parties also having a closer look at the cost-benefit ratio that is achieved by pre-treatment measures and the methods applied. As a matter of fact, the current structure aligns with the waste hierarchy implemented and the current EU strategy. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement especially regarding the international level of standardisation and trade in plastic waste.