Plastic types

Types of Plastic Pollutants

Plastic pollution comes in various forms and sizes. Here are the main categories:

Macroplastics

• Plastic bags and packaging
• Bottles and containers
• Fishing nets and gear
• Consumer products

Microplastics

• Microbeads in cosmetics
• Synthetic fiber fragments
• Degraded plastic pieces
• Tire wear particles

By Plastic Type

• Polyethylene (PE)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
• Polystyrene (PS)

By Source

• Single-use plastics
• Industrial waste
• Consumer goods
• Packaging materials

By Degradability

• Non-biodegradable
• Partially degradable
• Biodegradable
• Compostable

Understanding these types helps in developing targeted solutions for plastic pollution.