Verra’s Plastic Credits Project in Australia sets a precedent in tackling plastic waste, with 32 Waste Collection Credits (WCCs) granted for collecting 32 metric tonnes of agricultural plastic waste. This success paves the way for similar projects in Malaysia, where plastic waste poses a persistent challenge.
The project focuses on collecting plastic waste from banana farms, utilizing recyclers or sanitary landfills for disposal. Scaling up this process reduces plastic waste entering the Great Barrier Reef and waterways in Far North Queensland.
Financial support is vital for initiatives like this, especially in regions with high waste collection costs and inadequate agricultural waste disposal systems. Unsustainable practices such as leaving, burying, or burning plastic waste are common among farmers, leading to environmental damage.
Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans has reached unprecedented levels, with an estimated 170 trillion pieces of plastic on the surface. The mismanaged waste in Asia contributes to over 75% of the accumulated plastic in the ocean.
The Plastic Credits Project by Verra demonstrates the potential for addressing plastic waste, encouraging sustainable practices, and protecting fragile ecosystems. By supporting similar initiatives, we can make a significant impact in reducing plastic pollution and preserving our planet for future generations.