A Simulation Model to Analyze the Efficacy of Plastic Waste Management Policies

Abstract

Plastics play an integral part in industrial development. However, plastic wastes have likewise become one of the largest sources of pollution. Inadequate treatment and improper disposal of plastics continue to persist, causing health hazards and endangering marine life. This study adopts a System Dynamics approach to understand the propagation of plastic wastes from usage to eventual disposal. A model is developed to simulate the efficacy of different strategies and plastic wastes management policies currently adopted by government and private sectors. It quantifies the importance of proactive solutions versus reactive measures to mitigate plastic pollution. Scenario analysis in the form of parametric changes is used to understand the critical factors that significantly controls the behavior of the stakeholders in the system. The model’s integrative view of the plastic waste problem improves its capability to develop policies that can effectively reverse the increasing trend of plastic wastes.