Top 10 Countries Contributing the Most Plastic Waste to the Oceans: Where Does Indonesia Rank?

The presence of plastic waste is a major problem for the environment and marine ecosystems. *World Population Review* estimates that between 4.8 and 12.7 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year.

According to a 2021 report, five Asian countries were the largest contributors of plastic waste to the world's oceans: China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Indonesia ranked fifth as a contributor of plastic waste to the ocean. According to *World Population Review*, plastic waste in Indonesian waters reached 56,000 tons in 2021. China topped the list with a contribution of 70,000 tons.

The Philippines was the largest contributor of plastic waste to the oceans, reaching 350,000 tons in 2021. India and Malaysia followed with 126,000 tons and 73,000 tons of ocean plastic waste respectively.

Top 10 Countries Releasing the Most Plastic into the Ocean (2021):
Philippines — 356,371 tons
India — 126,513 tons
Malaysia — 73,098 tons
China — 70,707 tons
Indonesia — 56,333 tons
Brazil — 37,799 tons
Vietnam — 28,221 tons
Bangladesh — 24,640 tons
Thailand — 22,806 tons
Nigeria — 18,640 tons

The destruction of marine ecosystems not only poses risks to the safety and health of marine animals, but also impacts human health and the economy.

(read: Ipsos Survey: Majority of People Worldwide Agree with Ban on Single-Use Plastics)