What potential does the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive have for reducing plastic pollution at coastlines and riversides? An evaluation based on citizen science data

• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.03.042
• Publication Date: 2023-04-10T17:07:37Z
• Authors: Tim Kiessling; Mandy Hinzmann; Linda Mederake; Sinja Dittmann; Dennis Brennecke; Marianne Böhm-Beck; Katrin Knickmeier; Martin Thiel
• Keywords: Plastic pollution; Directive; Marine debris; Litter; Water Framework Directive; Member state; Plastic Waste

To address environmental pollution by plastic litter, the European Union adopted EU Directive 2019/904, so called "Single-Use Plastics Directive" (SUPD), which bans several single-use products and addresses additional items with measures such as extended producer responsibility obligatory requirements for product redesign. This study assessed potential of SUPD to reduce litter in environment three scenarios. The "best case" scenario assumed that all completely prevent targeted from getting into environment. Another no besides were effective. An intermediate partial effectiveness measures. Data almost 5,000 sampling events citizen science protocols (Plastic Pirates, International Coastal Cleanup, Marine Litter Watch) OSPAR protocol used analyse at riversides coastlines Germany Union. 44 68% consisted plastics (cigarette butts most prominent items). At sampled protocol, fishing gear undefined prevailed. analysis revealed substantial reductions could be achieved (upwards 40%), while resulted 13 25%. marginal effect "only bans" a reduction 2-6% Union, respectively. Thus, depending on implementation enforcement, current can an important first step, yet further legislative actions are needed effectively waste pollution.