AUTHOR=Ng Chi Huey , Mistoh Mohd Aizzan , Teo Siow Hwa , Galassi Andrea , Ibrahim Azreen , Sipaut Coswald Stephen , Foo Jurry , Seay Jeffrey , Taufiq‐Yap Yun Hin , Janaun Jidon TITLE=Plastic waste and microplastic issues in Southeast Asia JOURNAL=Frontiers in Environmental Science VOLUME=11 YEAR=2023 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1142071 DOI=10.3389/fenvs.2023.1142071 ISSN=2296-665X ABSTRACT=

Plastic pollution on land and in oceans is currently a pressing environmental issue. The accumulation of waste has caused severe, irreversible impacts and consequences on marine life, ecosystems, and the environment due to the lack of good waste collection, treatment, and management systems. Limited resources and infrastructure constantly challenge waste management in Southeast Asia. Therefore, we will examine the current plastic situation and issues in Southeast Asia and gain an understanding of the issues of the existing waste management systems in those countries. Then, we will examine the current practices applied in tackling plastic pollution and review the collective commitment and actions of governments, private sectors, social organizations, stakeholders, and consumers, as the key players in ending plastic pollution.