The State of Ocean Plastic Pollution In 2026

"Every minute, a garbage truck's worth of plastic ends up in the ocean. This constant flow has created a global pollution problem that now touches every marine ecosystem, from coastal waters to the deepest parts of the Mariana Trench. The UN Environment Programme estimates that 19 to 23 million tons of plastic waste enter aquatic ecosystems each year, polluting lakes, rivers, and seas around the world."

"The 5 Gyres Institute estimates that between 82 and 358 trillion plastic particles, weighing up to 4.9 million tons, are currently floating on the ocean's surface. Their study found a rapid acceleration in ocean plastic density that began around 2005; based on plastic production data, production has increased approximately 70% since then, with pollution rates increasing faster than at any previous point in recorded history. The Plastic Soup Foundation reports that more than half of all plastic ever produced was manufactured since 2000."

"The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, one of five major ocean garbage patches, now contains an estimated 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic covering an area twice the size of Texas. The OECD's Global Plastic Outlook reports that in 2020 alone, 1.4 million tons of plastics flowed from rivers into the ocean. Without additional policy interventions, that flow is projected to more than double to 3.6 million tons annually by 2060. However, there's some encouraging signs of a solution as the problem is only getting worse."

Every minute a garbage truck's worth of plastic enters the ocean, contributing 19–23 million tons of plastic waste into aquatic ecosystems annually. Between 82 and 358 trillion plastic particles, weighing up to 4.9 million tons, float on the ocean surface, with plastic production up roughly 70% since 2005 and pollution rates accelerating. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch contains about 1.8 trillion pieces. Rivers delivered 1.4 million tons to the ocean in 2020 and that flow may reach 3.6 million tons annually by 2060 without policy changes. About 80% of ocean plastic originates on land; 20% comes from sea activities, including deadly ghost gear.

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