Plastic Waste Disposal Research Articles

Plastic Waste (In)Visibility in Plasticity

This article examines the video game Plasticity as a compelling narrative medium that represents and critiques the ecological ramifications of plastic consumption in the Anthropocene era. The game’s dystopian setting, where players navigate through environments devastated by plastic waste, serves as a metaphor for the real-world issues of waste management and environmental neglect. By integrating theories from material ecocriticism and close gaming methodologies, this paper analyses Plasticity both as a piece of eco-fiction and as an interactive experience that challenges players to reflect on their own consumption habits. The game’s design and player agency are highlighted as tools that expose the often invisible consequences of waste disposal practices. I argue that Plasticity utilizes the concept of Chthulucene aesthetics, which I define as an approach that embraces ecological entanglement and multispecies perspectives, challenging traditional views of beauty by finding harmony in environmental disturbances and the interconnectedness of all life forms, to illuminate the strategic invisibility of plastic waste. The analysis reveals the game’s potential to open a space for interpretation of what remains in the dark by practices dictated as normal in terms of plastic waste disposal practices in the Anthropocene.

Machine learning assisted Raman spectroscopy: A viable approach for the detection of microplastics

The accumulation of microplastics (MPs) resulting from disposal of plastic waste into water sources, poses a significant threat to aquatic organisms. These are readily ingested by organisms, leading to the accumulation of harmful substances, disrupting their biological processes. Current methods for identifying microplastics have notable drawbacks, including low resolution, extended imaging time, and restricted particle size analysis. Integrating Raman spectroscopy with machine learning (ML) proves to be an effective approach for identifying and classifying MPs, especially in scenarios where they are found in environmental media or mixed with various types. Machine learning (ML) can be vital tool in assisting Raman analysis, owing to its robust feature extraction capabilities. This comprehensive review outlined the utilization of various machine learning techniques in conjunction with Raman spectral features for diverse investigations related to microplastics. The methodologies discussed encompass Principal Component Analysis, K-Nearest Neighbour, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and various deep learning algorithms.

Turning plastics/microplastics into valuable resources? Current and potential research for future applications

Plastics are a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials, mainly consisting of polymers. The use of plastics has increased to over 300 million metric tonnes in recent years, and by 2050, it is expected to grow to 800 million. Presently, a mere 10% of plastic waste is recycled, with approximately 75% ended up in landfills. Inappropriate disposal of plastic waste into the environment poses a threat to human lives and marine species. Therefore, this review article highlights potential routes for converting plastic/microplastic waste into valuable resources to promote a greener and more sustainable environment. The literature review revealed that plastics/microplastics (P/MP) could be recycled or upcycled into various products or materials via several innovative processes. For example, P/MP are recycled and utilized as anodes in lithium-ion (Li-ion) and sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries. The anode in Na-ion batteries comprising PP carbon powder exhibits a high reversible capacity of ∼340 mAh/g at 0.01 A/g current state. In contrast, integrating Fe3O4 and PE into a Li-ion battery yielded an excellent capacity of 1123 mAh/g at 0.5 A/g current state. Additionally, recycled Nylon displayed high physical and mechanical properties necessary for excellent application as 3D printing material. Induction heating is considered a revolutionary pyrolysis technique with improved yield, efficiency, and lower energy utilization. Overall, P/MPs are highlighted as abundant resources for the sustainable production of valuable products and materials such as batteries, nanomaterials, graphene, and membranes for future applications.

Research Progress in Fuel Oil Production by Catalytic Pyrolysis Technologies of Waste Plastics

Improper disposal of waste plastic has caused serious ecological and environmental pollution problems. Transforming plastics into high value-added chemicals can not only achieve efficient recycling of waste plastics, but is also an effective way to control white pollution. The catalyst selectively breaks the C–C bond of polyolefin plastic under heat treatment and converts it into liquid fuel, thus realizing sustainable recycling of plastics and has a good development prospect. This review provides a detailed overview of the current development of catalytic pyrolysis, catalytic hydrolysis, solvent decomposition, and supercritical hydrothermal liquefaction for cracking plastics to make fuel oil. The reaction mechanism, influencing factors, and promoting effects of catalysts in various degradation technologies are analyzed and summarized, and the latest proposed tandem reaction for degrading plastics is briefly introduced. Finally, some optimization paths of waste plastic pyrolysis to fuel oil technology are proposed: synergies between mixed raw materials, in-depth exploration of catalysts, design and manufacture of reactors that match the pyrolysis technology. All these are important research directions for promoting the industrialization of plastic pyrolysis to fuel oil.

Deterministic and stochastic finite element modeling of reinforced concrete beams without stirrups containing plastic wastes

PurposeThe use of waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics derived from shredded bottles in concrete is not formalized yet, especially in reinforced members such as beams and columns. The disposal of plastic wastes in concrete is a viable alternative to manage those wastes while minimizing the environmental impacts associated to recycling, carbon dioxide emissions and energy consumption.Design/methodology/approachThis paper evaluates the suitability of 2D deterministic and stochastic finite element (FE) modeling to predict the shear strength behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams without stirrups. Different concrete mixtures prepared with 1.5%–4.5% PET additions, by volume, are investigated.FindingsTest results showed that the deterministic and stochastic FE approaches are accurate to assess the maximum load of RC beams at failure and corresponding midspan deflection. However, the crack patterns observed experimentally during the different stages of loading can only be reproduced using the stochastic FE approach. This later method accounts for the concrete heterogeneity due to PET additions, allowing a statistical simulation of the effect of mechanical properties (i.e. compressive strength, tensile strength and Young’s modulus) on the output FE parameters.Originality/valueData presented in this paper can be of interest to civil and structural engineers, aiming to predict the failure mechanisms of RC beams containing plastic wastes, while minimizing the experimental time and resources needed to estimate the variability effect of concrete properties on the performance of such structures.

Investigation of Microplastics Contamination in African Catfish Clarias gariepinus and Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus Fish Species in Owe River Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, Nigeria

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the presence of microplastics (MPs) contamination in surface water and two fish species (Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus) in Owe River. One Litre (1 L) of water samples were collected from four different locations along the river in triplicates, samples were digested to remove organic matters. Eighteen (18) numbers of fishes were collected for each species. Samples collected were dissected and the guts excised were digested with 10% Potassium hydroxide and 10% Hydrogen Peroxide. Both digested water and fish samples were filtered using 0.45µm membrane through a vacuum filtration apparatus. The filter papers were then observed under digital microscope (1600X RoHS China) for MPs identification. MPs were classified into colours and shapes. A total of 104 items was found in the gut of both fish species with an average of 4.33 ± 1.71 and 1.44 ± 0.70 items/individual for Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus respectively. Fiber was seen to be dominant in fish species compared to other MPs shapes identified.The abundance of MPs in the water samples ranged from 203 ± 50.64 to 724.33 ± 129.89 Items/L with a total of 1898± 198.34 Items/L. Most of the recovered MPs from river water samples were fragments. Attenuated total reflectance– Fourier transform infrared (ATR – FTIR) spectroscopic analyses led to the identification of four (4) plastic polymer types, with polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) jointly constituting 82 % of the plastic particles. The enormous anthropogenic activities and indiscriminate disposal of plastic themed wastes along the river course are notably contributing factors to the MPs contamination of Owe River. A serious monitoring of waste disposal and necessary mitigation process is advised.

Experimental Investigation of Effect of Waste PET fibres on the Impact Behaviour of PET Fibre Reinforced Concrete

<p>Concrete, being the construction material that is extensively employed, possesses various limitations despite its adaptability in building projects. It exhibits weakness when subjected to tension, has restricted ductility, and offers minimal resistance against cracking. Concrete is widely used in construction due to its high strength. The aim of this study is to conduct experimental research on the utilization of PET fibre as a construction material in concrete, which is technically sound and environmentally safe. The use of PET fibre in various engineering applications can solve the problem of disposal of plastic waste. PET fibre can be used in concrete to improve its ductile parameters. PET wires of 50 mm in length and 3 mm in width are used in this work. The tests conducted on M30 grade concrete included assessments of its strength in compression, strength in split tensile, strength in flexure, and resistance to impact. The percentages of addition were 0 %, 0.25 % and 0.5 % density of fibre. The impact properties of PET fibre concrete were studied. Test results showed that there is improvement in compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength and a significant increase in impact resistance of concrete after the addition of PET fibres.</p>

Investigation of the Compressive Strength of Sand-Filled Polyethylene Terephthalate Bottles as a Material for Wall Construction

The disposal of plastic wastes in the environment has negatively impacted the environment as plastics are non-biodegradable and contain chemicals that are harmful to humans, animals, plants, and the environment at large. The increased demand for infrastructure across the globe has also resulted in a rapid depletion of natural resources used for the production of construction materials. The need therefore arises for research to proffer solutions that would lead to the better management of plastic wastes, and provide sustainable construction materials. This study evaluated the compressive strength of sand-filled PET bottles (with varying moisture content, 0-15%) and clay bricks incorporating sand-filled PET bottles for wall construction. Cement was used to stabilize the clay at 0%, 10%, and 15% by weight. The compressive strength of the bricks produced was compared with that of control bricks (without sand-filled PET bottles). The results obtained reveal that the compressive strengths of the PET bricks were less than those of the control bricks. An optimum of 2% moisture content of sand is recommended for filling the PET bottles while 15% stabilization of clay with cement is recommended for the production of sand-filled PET bricks. The sand-filled PET bricks can be used for non-load-bearing wall construction as their compressive strengths fall below the minimum requirements of the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute and the Standards Organization of Nigeria for load-bearing walls.

Application of Activated Carbons Obtained from Polymer Waste for the Adsorption of Dyes from Aqueous Solutions.

Plastic waste disposal is a major environmental problem worldwide. One recycling method for polymeric materials is their conversion into carbon materials. Therefore, a process of obtaining activated carbons through the carbonization of waste CDs (as the selected carbon precursor) in an oxygen-free atmosphere, and then the physical activation of the obtained material with CO2, was developed. Dyes such as methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) are commonly applied in industry, which contaminate the water environment to a large extent and have a harmful effect on living organisms; therefore, adsorption studies were carried out for these cationic dyes. The effects of the activation time on the physicochemical properties of the activated materials and the adsorption capacity of the dyes were investigated. The obtained microporous adsorbents were characterized by studying the porous structure based on low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), elemental analysis (CHNS), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR), thermal analysis (TG, DTG, DTA), Boehm's titration method, and pHpzc (the point of zero charge) determination. Moreover, adsorption studies (equilibrium and kinetics) were carried out. The maximum adsorption capacities (qm exp) of MB and MG (349 mg g-1 and 274 mg g-1, respectively) were identified for the obtained material after 8 h of activation. The results show that the use of waste CDs as a carbon precursor facilitates the production of low-cost and effective adsorbents.

Recyclable, but not recycled—an indicator to quantify the environmental impacts of plastic waste disposal

With an exponential increase in the production and consumption of plastic products over the last few years, the predominantly linear (take-make-dispose) economy of the plastic life cycle has captured global attention. Even though plastic products offer versatile benefits with their properties across different sectors, with a global recycling rate of less than 10%, it is challenging to reduce the pollution generated by plastic waste. Also, the loss of resources due to the uncontrolled disposal of plastic waste has been projected to cause long-term negative effects on the environment. To ensure a better circularity of the plastic flows across the world, it is essential to design plastic products that have an adequate infrastructure to recover and recycle the waste no matter where they are used. The polymer manufacturers and the plastics converters must account for the environmental impacts of the resources lost in the environment due to the lack of recycling infrastructure as a part of Extended Producer Responsibility. This study introduces an indicator that accounts for the loss of resources and proposes for a better methodology to quantify the environmental impacts of polymers and plastic products, based on their recyclability and the availability of recycling infrastructure to handle them. By integrating the loss of resources with the environmental impacts of specific polymers used in specific plastic products, the stakeholders across the value chain have the choice to select the polymers and products that are actually recycled, thereby reducing their environmental impacts and increasing the circularity.

Strategies for biofilm optimization of plastic-degrading microorganisms and isolating biofilm formers from plastic-contaminated environments

Abstract The perpetual disposal of plastic waste, combined with ineffective waste management strategies, has resulted in widespread environmental plastic pollution. Microbial plastic biodegradation represents an emerging solution to this problem. However, biodegradation studies tend to overlook the fundamental prerequisite of initial surface colonization via biofilm formation. This study had two independent but connected aims relating to plastic surface colonization by microorganisms: to enhance biofilm formation by known plastic degraders, with translational potential for improved plastic degradation, and to isolate microorganisms from microplastic contaminated environments with the ability to colonize plastic surfaces. Planktonic and biofilm responses to diverse carbon and energy sources were investigated over 7 days, using Bacillus subtilis 168, Fusarium solani (Martius) Saccardo, Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6, Pseudomonas putida KT2440, and Rhodococcus ruber C208. This enabled optimal conditions for biofilm formation by each strain to be determined. In parallel, environmental samples containing synthetic or natural polymeric substances (anaerobic digestate, landfill leachate, and microplastic contaminated compost) were incubated with polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate films, to isolate microorganisms capable of colonizing their surfaces. This yielded eight bacterial isolates from three genera: Bacillus, Lysinibacillus, and Proteus. These genera contain species that have been shown to degrade plastics and other recalcitrant synthetic polymers, demonstrating the success of our approach. This study also suggests that discrete plastic types may create different ecological niches which can be exploited by unique bacterial colonizers. Our findings underscore the importance of considering plastic colonization by microbial biofilms in the context of their biodegradation.

Co-pyrolysis of biomass and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as an alternative for energy production from waste valorization

Disposal of waste plastics is an environmental problem that has gained attention over the years. Co-pyrolysis is a promising alternative for transforming this material into solid and liquid products with high added value. This study evaluated how heating rates and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) proportions influence the properties of char obtained by co-pyrolysis. The co-pyrolysis process was carried out using Eucalyptus spp biomass, in three proportions of PET (0, 15 and 25 %) and three heating rates (1, 3 and 5 °C min−1), at a final temperature of 450 °C. We investigated the physical, chemical, energetic and thermal properties of the char produced, which included its morphology via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average yield of co-pyrolytic char, under all conditions of co-pyrolysis, decreased by 5 % compared to the biomass-only pyrolytic material. In addition to yield differences, the percentage of ash decreased by about 7 % in char with PET. The produced material had a maximum heating value of 32,17 MJ kg−1 and maximum energy density of 4.7 Gcal m−3 (1.10 GJ m−3). These results show the synergistic effect between PET and biomass, pointing to improvements in char generated through co-pyrolysis. The addition of PET in the process, in all conditions investigated, contributed to potentiating the energy characteristics of the material. This co-pyrolysis process can be an alternative for generation and biofuels. The co-pyrolysis of biomass and polyethylene terephthalate is a promising strategy for generating energy products and ensuring the reuse of plastic materials.

Preliminary investigation of microplastic contamination in river snails (Filopaludina martensi) in Eastern Thailand and evaluation of human exposure

Microplastic contamination in the aquatic environment is a growing environmental issue with implications for food safety concerns. This study investigated microplastics in river snails (Filopaludina martensi) obtained from local markets in the eastern province of Thailand. The study analyzed the abundance, shape, size, color, and polymer type of microplastics extracted from river snail tissue and estimated human intake of microplastics through river snail consumption. The results revealed that the average microplastic abundance was 88.63 ± 51.18 particles/g wet weight. The predominant microplastics were fibers and fragments smaller than 1.0 mm, with colors ranging from transparent-white. Polymer analysis indicated that river snails primarily contained polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). Microplastics’ estimated annual intake (EAI) was significantly higher than the average in other countries. This suggests that humans may ingest microplastics through food consumption due to the biomagnification of microplastic accumulation in the food chain. Given this elevated level of human exposure to microplastics, there is an urgent need to develop policies to regulate the use, management, and disposal of plastic waste in Thailand.

The mechanism of polystyrene nanoplastics hepatotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The mass production of plastics and improper disposal of plastic waste has led to their widespread presence in the ecosystem. Plastics entering the natural environment degrade into irregularly shaped and differently sized nanoplastics (NPs), exacerbating global pollution. The research object to study toxic mechanisms of the liver polystyrene nanoplastics (PS NPs) of zebrafish, providing key scientific insights for the environmental risk assessment of NPs. The zebrafish were exposed to different concentrations with a particle size of 100 nm PS NPs containing Eu, and the accumulation of nanoplastics in each tissue/organ was quantified. The mechanism of liver toxicity of nanoplastics to zebrafish was explored. Where the mass of PS NPs was linearly related to the mass of Eu with R2 = 0.999. PS NPs were accumulated in gills, ovaries, liver, spleen, intestine, kidney, skin, muscle and brain. The top three accumulations were: intestine > gills > liver. The histopathological analysis of liver indicated that 0.1 mg/L and 1 mg/L PS NPs caused increased liver inflammation. 0.1 mg/L PS NPs significantly increased the activity of SOD and the content of ROS and MDA in liver. 1 mg/L PS NPs significantly increased the activity of SOD, CAT and GSH and the content of MDA in liver, while significantly decreased the content of ROS. These results will improve the appreciation of the cumulative impact of PS NPs and the mechanism of toxicity on target organs in organisms.

Unveiling the Microplastics Menace: A Bibliometric Analysis from 2011 to 2023

The escalating production of Microplastics in marine environments has become a critical environmental issue. This in-depth study examines the worrying issue of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments, revealing notable gaps in the literature and presenting significant research opportunities. Microplastics, derived from the degradation of plastic waste, represent a major challenge for aquatic ecosystems due to their ease of ingestion by wildlife, with common polymers as the main sources. Major pathways of introduction include urban wastewater discharges and the mass disposal of plastic waste. Bioaccumulation, effects on marine ecosystems and identification techniques are areas requiring further exploration. At the same time, the increasing production of microplastics in marine environments is a critical environmental issue. Bibliometric analysis reveals key themes, including sources, production pathways, ecological impacts, and mitigation strategies. This research not only highlights current concerns, but also identifies emerging topics such as advanced monitoring technologies and sustainable production alternatives. Together, these findings offer crucial insights to guide future investigations aimed at mitigating the growing challenges associated with microplastic production in marine ecosystems.

Understanding the perception and awareness of senior high school teachers on the environmental impacts of plastic waste: Implications for sustainable waste education and management

Plastic waste pollution is a significant global environmental challenge, necessitating comprehensive management strategies. The perceptions and behaviours of stakeholders, particularly educators, are instrumental in shaping waste management practices. Despite the increasing concerns about plastic pollution, there is a lack of research focusing on teachers' perspectives, particularly in rural settings such as Chiana. This study addresses the gap by investigating the perspectives of Senior High School (SHS) teachers in Chiana regarding the environmental effects of plastic waste. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Collective Action Theory, the research explores how demographic factors such as gender, age, education level, and awareness influence teachers' perspectives on plastic waste. A quantitative descriptive survey approach was employed to gather data from 56 teachers in Chiana SHS, which were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square statistics, and severity index. The results revealed a gender disparity among respondents, with 8.9% female and 91.1% male teachers. There was a total agreement on the negative impacts of plastic waste on the environment; 96.4 % preferred alternative packaging materials over plastic. Paper packing (21.4%) and leaves and or paper (16.1%) were the most favoured alternatives. Additionally, 62.5% of teachers reported occasionally educating students about plastic's environmental effects. All respondents emphasised the importance of effective plastic waste management methods. Teachers demonstrated awareness of the adverse effects of indiscriminate plastic waste disposal. The study, inspired by the teachers' dedication and willingness, recommends integrating environmental challenges and solutions into the curriculum to enhance (plastic) waste management practices among students, thereby motivating the audience to take action.

Thermo-chemical disposal of plastic waste from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) using CO2

The source reduction of plastic waste could be an effective means to attenuate hazardous environmental problems triggered by microplastics. Energy recovery from plastic waste through thermochemical processes is a desirable valorization route. To realize the grand challenges, plastic waste derived from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) was pyrolyzed. To propose a greener feature, CO2 was introduced as a mediator to maximize carbon allocation to the gaseous pyrogenic product (syngas) by CO2 reduction to CO and concurrent oxidation of volatile matter (VM) that was evolved from the thermolysis of plastic waste. As such, fundamental and systematic works were conducted to delineate the CO2 effects on conversion of VMs. This study experimentally proved that CO2 promotes thermal cracking in line with C–C bond scissions. However, the reaction rate for the conversion of CO2 and VM into CO via homogeneous reaction was not fast. Therefore, a Ni-based catalyst was employed to accelerate the reaction rate. However, there was coke deposition on the catalyst surface. To prevent coke formation, we chose a method to enhance CO2 reduction to CO and the oxidation of VM. Thus, three bimetallic catalysts were used for catalytic pyrolysis. Among the three bimetallic catalysts, Rh0.1Ni1/SiO2 was the most effective.

A novel foaming additive derived from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for low-carbon warm mix asphalt

Plastic pollution is growing relentlessly due to the careless disposal of waste plastic products. This study focuses on converting waste plastic bottles into a foaming additive for the production of eco-friendly warm mix asphalt (WMA) for paving purposes. The additive, namely PET-TETA, was synthesized from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) via an aminolysis process. Its chemical and physical properties were characterized by the scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and thermogravimetry-differential thermal analyzer (TG-DTA) tests. The WMA mixtures were prepared using PET-TETA and a commercial foaming additive, and their properties were studied and compared to a conventional hot mix asphalt mixture. The performances of the asphalt mixtures were characterized through the indirect tensile stiffness modulus, moisture susceptibility, and immersion Hamburg wheel-tracking tests. The findings revealed that PET-TETA was a semicrystalline material containing approximately 26 % hydration water, which could be released gradually during the preparation of asphalt pavements. The performance of the WMA mixture utilizing PET-TETA was comparable to the other two asphalt mixtures, and it exhibited higher strengths and better resistance to stripping. Therefore, it is promising to apply PET-TETA as a sustainable and effective WMA additive for paving purposes, providing a solution to the issue of waste plastic disposal.

Cheap organocatalyst diphenyl phosphate for efficient chemical recycling of poly(lactic acid), other polyesters and polycarbonates

Bioplastics are regarded as a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics, particularly poly(lactic acid) (PLA). However, due to the slow biodegradation of PLA and the lack of an overall recycling strategy, its large-scale use could make it an acute source of future plastic pollution. Herein, we find that diphenyl phosphate (DPP), a cheap organocatalyst, can efficiently catalyze PLA hydrolysis into valuable oligomers/lactic acid. Without pressure and organic solvents, under mild conditions with 3.5 wt% DPP and a little water (160 °C, 1.5 h), commercial PLA pellets/products are rapidly converted into oligomers with molecular weight below 500 g/mol by random hydrolysis. DPP can catalyze at least 10 batches of PLA without compromising its catalytic performance, and kilogram-scale PLA degradation is facilely achieved. The DPP-containing oligomers can be used directly to synthesize lactide, and subsequently high-quality PLA is obtained using a well-established industrial route to achieve closed-loop recycling. Meanwhile, an aqueous lactic acid solution with comparable commercial quality and intact configuration retention is harvested. Moreover, DPP can also effectively catalyze the hydrolysis of other polyesters and polycarbonates. Overall, this study is expected to address the environmental and engineering challenges associated with plastic waste disposal, in particular fostering a PLA-based green circular bio-economy.

Replacing Traditional Plastics with Biodegradable Plastics: Impact on Carbon Emissions

In recent years, a great deal of attention has been focused on the environmental impact of plastics, including the carbon emissions related to plastics, which has promoted the application of biodegradable plastics. Countries worldwide have shown high interest in replacing traditional plastics with biodegradable plastics. However, no systematic comparison has been conducted on the carbon emissions of biodegradable versus traditional plastic products. This study evaluates the carbon emissions of traditional and biodegradable plastic products (BPPs) over four stages and briefly discusses environmental and economic perspectives. Four scenarios—namely, the traditional method, chemical recycling, industrial composting, and anaerobic digestion—are considered for the disposal of waste BPPs (WBPPs). The analysis takes China as a case study. The results show that the carbon emissions of 1000 traditional plastic products (plastic bags, lunch boxes, cups, etc.) were 52.09–150.36 carbon emissions equivalent of per kilogram (kg CO2eq), with the stage of plastic production contributing 50.71%–50.77%. In comparison, 1000 similar BPPs topped out at 21.06–56.86 kg CO2eq, approximately 13.53%–62.19% lower than traditional plastic products. The difference was mainly at the stages of plastic production and waste disposal, and the BPPs showed significant carbon reduction potential at the raw material acquisition stage. Waste disposal plays an important role in environmental impact, and composting and anaerobic digestion are considered to be preferable disposal methods for WBPPs. However, the high cost of biodegradable plastics is a challenge for their widespread use. This study has important reference significance for the sustainable development of the biodegradable plastics industry.