Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Caribbean countries bear a disproportionate burden of marine plastic pollution because of their small landmass, high population density, and insufficient waste management infrastructure. Many Caribbean nations depend on informal, unmanaged landfills, underscoring an urgent need for more resilient, sustainable systems. This perspective synthesizes existing data to map the region's plastic waste landscape and leverages regional expertise to identify key research priorities. This work emerged from interdisciplinary international professionals and members of the CEPlaSt (circular economy for plastic sustainability) network. A major barrier to circularity is the lack of reliable data on waste composition and flows, alongside stark infrastructure disparities across the wider Caribbean region. Addressing these gaps through targeted investment and region-specific planning is essential to modernize waste systems, reduce plastic emissions, and advance a sustainable Caribbean plastic circular economy.
Authors: Anne Marie Mozrall, Jessica P. Feliz Garrido, Pamela Tejada-Tejada, Akeem Mohammed, Brigitte Mildred Roldán Ramírez, Alana Malinde S.N. Lancaster, Iris Odett Atencio, Diego Batista, Denise Delvalle-Borrero, Christian Espinal, Ana De León, Sarra Gaspard, Ulises Jauregui-Haza, Phaedra C. Pezzullo, Mariely Ponciano, Jeffrey V. Smith, Laura Vásquez, Rafael Vasquez, Amy E. Landis
Institutions: Colorado School of Mines, Michigan Technological University, Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo, University of the West Indies, University of the West Indies, Universidad de Antioquia, University of the West Indies, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Centro Nacional de Alta Tecnología, Université des Antilles, University of Colorado Boulder, Nueva Vida
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Funder: National Science Foundation
OpenAlex ID: W7222949433