Plastic waste uncollected

Residual waste generated minus formal and informal collection; this is not directly measured.

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Trend

tonnes

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

Breakdown

Uncollected waste by plastic type

tonnes

Raw data

Public observations only. Provisional estimates are labelled; internal records and empty placeholders are excluded.

Block	Year	Category	Value	Units	Evidence	Source
Plastic waste uncollected	2015	Plastic Waste Uncollected	2,966.42	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2015	Total	2,966.42	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2016	Plastic Waste Uncollected	3,040.13	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2016	Total	3,040.13	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2017	Plastic Waste Uncollected	3,072.27	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2017	Total	3,072.27	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2018	Plastic Waste Uncollected	3,127.15	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2018	Total	3,127.15	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2019	Plastic Waste Uncollected	3,157.53	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2019	Total	3,157.53	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2020	Plastic Waste Uncollected	3,324.63	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2020	Total	3,324.63	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2021	Plastic Waste Uncollected	3,448.34	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2021	Total	3,448.34	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2022	Plastic Waste Uncollected	3,496.9	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2022	Total	3,496.9	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2023	Plastic Waste Uncollected	3,591.46	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2023	Total	3,591.46	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2024	Plastic Waste Uncollected	3,695.45	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Plastic waste uncollected	2024	Total	3,695.45	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2015	HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	357.81	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2015	LDPE/LLDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)	307.14	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2015	Other (specify)	921.43	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2015	PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	569.44	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2015	PP (Polypropylene)	186.82	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2015	PS/EPS (Polystyrene)	601.62	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2015	PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	22.16	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2015	Total	2,966.42	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2016	HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	366.14	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2016	LDPE/LLDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)	314.29	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2016	Other (specify)	942.88	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2016	PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	587.35	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2016	PP (Polypropylene)	191.17	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2016	PS/EPS (Polystyrene)	615.63	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2016	PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	22.68	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2016	Total	3,040.13	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2017	HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	374.29	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2017	LDPE/LLDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)	321.3	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2017	Other (specify)	941.65	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2017	PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	587.08	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2017	PP (Polypropylene)	195.43	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2017	PS/EPS (Polystyrene)	629.34	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2017	PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	23.19	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2017	Total	3,072.27	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2018	HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	382.15	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2018	LDPE/LLDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)	328.04	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2018	Other (specify)	929.45	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2018	PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	621.78	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2018	PP (Polypropylene)	199.53	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2018	PS/EPS (Polystyrene)	642.54	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2018	PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	23.67	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2018	Total	3,127.15	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2019	HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	389.86	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2019	LDPE/LLDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)	334.66	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2019	Other (specify)	950.52	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2019	PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	599.26	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2019	PP (Polypropylene)	203.56	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2019	PS/EPS (Polystyrene)	655.52	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2019	PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	24.15	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2019	Total	3,157.53	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2020	HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	407.82	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2020	LDPE/LLDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)	350.07	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2020	Other (specify)	976.78	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2020	PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	666.06	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2020	PP (Polypropylene)	212.93	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2020	PS/EPS (Polystyrene)	685.71	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2020	PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	25.26	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2020	Total	3,324.63	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2021	HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	417.89	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2021	LDPE/LLDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)	358.72	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2021	Other (specify)	1,026.38	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2021	PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	698.64	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2021	PP (Polypropylene)	218.19	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2021	PS/EPS (Polystyrene)	702.64	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2021	PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	25.89	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2021	Total	3,448.34	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2022	HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	428.65	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2022	LDPE/LLDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)	367.96	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2022	Other (specify)	1,015.41	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2022	PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	713.78	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2022	PP (Polypropylene)	223.81	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2022	PS/EPS (Polystyrene)	720.74	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2022	PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	26.55	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2022	Total	3,496.9	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2023	HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	440.13	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2023	LDPE/LLDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)	378.26	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2023	Other (specify)	1,045.08	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2023	PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	729.71	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2023	PP (Polypropylene)	230.07	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2023	PS/EPS (Polystyrene)	740.91	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2023	PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	27.3	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2023	Total	3,591.46	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2024	HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)	452.33	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2024	LDPE/LLDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)	388.8	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2024	Other (specify)	1,069.9	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2024	PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)	758.31	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2024	PP (Polypropylene)	236.49	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2024	PS/EPS (Polystyrene)	761.56	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2024	PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)	28.06	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by plastic type	2024	Total	3,695.45	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2015	Commercial Organisations	569.19	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2015	Fisheries Organisations	21.2	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2015	Households	2,018.8	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2015	Tourism Organisations	357.24	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2015	Total	2,966.42	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2016	Commercial Organisations	583.99	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2016	Fisheries Organisations	21.69	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2016	Households	2,067.35	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2016	Tourism Organisations	367.11	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2016	Total	3,040.13	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2017	Commercial Organisations	585.14	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2017	Fisheries Organisations	22.17	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2017	Households	2,101.55	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2017	Tourism Organisations	363.42	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2017	Total	3,072.27	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2018	Commercial Organisations	594.22	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2018	Fisheries Organisations	22.64	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2018	Households	2,142.44	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2018	Tourism Organisations	367.85	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2018	Total	3,127.15	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2019	Commercial Organisations	595.3	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2019	Fisheries Organisations	23.09	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2019	Households	2,174.78	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2019	Tourism Organisations	364.36	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2019	Total	3,157.53	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2020	Commercial Organisations	629.94	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2020	Fisheries Organisations	24.16	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2020	Households	2,282.17	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2020	Tourism Organisations	388.36	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2020	Total	3,324.63	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2021	Commercial Organisations	659.37	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2021	Fisheries Organisations	24.75	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2021	Households	2,352.39	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2021	Tourism Organisations	411.83	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2021	Total	3,448.34	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2022	Commercial Organisations	662.93	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2022	Fisheries Organisations	25.39	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2022	Households	2,399.57	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2022	Tourism Organisations	409.01	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2022	Total	3,496.9	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2023	Commercial Organisations	680.38	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2023	Fisheries Organisations	26.1	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2023	Households	2,465.62	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2023	Tourism Organisations	419.35	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2023	Total	3,591.46	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2024	Commercial Organisations	700.64	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2024	Fisheries Organisations	26.83	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2024	Households	2,535.63	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2024	Tourism Organisations	432.34	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.
Uncollected waste by sector	2024	Total	3,695.45	tonnes	modelled	Inventory mass-balance calculation MECC / UNSW Centre for Sustainable Development Reform Provenance notes Derived from upstream inventory flows and documented assumptions.

Method and limitations

Plastic waste uncollected · version 1

Plastic waste uncollected

Uncollected waste is the part of generated plastic waste not accounted for by formal or informal collection.

How it is produced

For each year, the inventory subtracts formal and informal collection from plastic waste generated. The same mass-balance approach is applied to plastic types and sectors.

Read with care

This is a residual, not a direct measurement. Every uncertainty in generation and collection carries into the result.