Dumped: The Truth About Europe's Plastic 'Recycling' by Annabelle Vuille

"Dumped" is a data-driven art exhibition concept that delves into the stark reality of Europe's plastic waste and its global impact, unraveling the dynamics of 'waste colonialism' and the transnational trade of hazardous waste, particularly plastic, from wealthier to lower-income nations. The immersive experience shines a spotlight on the intricate relationship between European waste practices, bilateral trade, and the escalating plastic pollution crisis overseas, notably in Asia. It is based on the latest data and scholarship on these topics, as well as numerous interviews with experts.

Eleven walls featuring large-scale data visualizations and powerful photography tell the story of what actually happens to the millions of tons of plastic waste generated in Europe each year and commonly believed to be recycled. By documenting how much of this waste ends up contaminating once-pristine lands and oceans in countries far removed from its origin, the exhibit compels viewers to question our societal addiction to plastic and advocates for Europe to take responsibility for processing its plastic waste.

--- Some Key Messages ---

Mountains of Unrecyclable Waste: We produce more plastic waste than we can process in recycling facilities. Europe’s recycling capacity is only between 20-40%. Additionally, most plastic waste is of too poor quality, contaminated, or co-mingled with other types of waste, making it unrecyclable.

Disposed for Recycling ≠ Actually Recycled: The majority of plastic waste in Europe is incinerated or landfilled, which poses its own set of environmental challenges. Two-thirds of what remains (~4.5 million tons in 2020) are exported to other countries; in most cases, it is cheaper to ship the waste abroad than pay the disposal fees at home.

Policy Loopholes: The EU legitimises this waste trade as a viable ‘disposal method’ by allowing companies to register such exports as ‘recycled’, even if the fate of the waste at its destination is unknown.

An Incomplete Picture: Trade data does not capture the transshipment (re-exportation) of plastic waste. On paper, a European country may therefore be listed as the import destination of plastic waste, when in reality it was re-exported outside the EU. The problem is compounded by criminal organisations that illegally traffic plastic waste to lower-income countries.