The situation 

The Philippines had the largest share of global plastic waste discarded in the ocean in 2019. The country was responsible for 36.38% of global oceanic plastic waste, far more than the second-largest plastic polluter, India, which in the same year accounted for about 12.92% of the total. 

Marine debris poses a very real threat, not just to ocean life and the environment, but also to the economies of the region. Bali, for instance, gets about 60% of its revenue from tourism. Despite pollution, according to the latest data unveiled by the Bali Central Bureau of Statistics on the 3rd of June 2024, the influx of foreign tourists reached 503,194 visits during April 2024. This signifies an increase of +7.24% compared to March 2024. Dirty waters also impact shipping and fisheries, apart from the cost of cleaning up these areas. World Bank estimates place the cost of plastic pollution to ASEAN member states’ “blue” sectors at about $2.1 billion in 2015.

Trouble is, it’s not just ocean trash, but also the trash from other countries these nations have to manage. Globally, about 2.12 billion tonnes of waste is produced every year, and processing it is big business. In 2018, when China banned waste imports over concerns over the damage to its environment, the trash-exporting nations (the US and countries in Europe) turned to South East Asia.

What countries are doing 

But ASEAN member states are now cleaning up their act. Thailand banned e-waste imports in 2018, while Malaysia and Vietnam stopped issuing new permits for plastic waste imports. They are also looking to reduce single-use plastic products and packaging. Malaysia has banned non-biodegradable plastic bags, while Thailand is considering an electronic scrap disposal tax.  

Countries are also exploring Waste-to-Energy (WTE) solutions. In July 2022, Vietnam’s largest WTE plant, capable of burning 4,000 tonnes of dry waste every day, began operations. The Philippines is considering laws to institutionalize WTE development, while Thailand already offers subsidies and tax incentives for different types of WTE plants.  

Indonesia, meanwhile, is turning to technology to provide solutions to the growing waste problem. With a goal to reduce total waste by 30% by 2030, Indonesia’s current focus is on recycling solutions. Several startups in the country have gotten into the act as well, creating recycling apps and offering rewards in exchange for recyclables.  

Time to act 

With the objective of reducing waste, the World Bank has approved a $20 million regional grant for ASEAN. The ASEAN nations have been relentless in their efforts to tackle the trash problem. For example – The Indonesian government plans to limit single-use plastics to reduce ocean pollution by 70 percent by 2025. But this is the time to amp up the efforts and strengthen policies and regulatory frameworks governing the production and use of plastics. The time to act is now.