A study published in Nature Communications warns that burning plastic waste as household fuel is widespread in low‑ and middle‑income cities. Researchers surveyed more than 1,000 participants in 26 countries to show how gaps in basic services shape everyday coping strategies. The practice was reported across cities in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Authors identify two main drivers. First, waste collection is often irregular or absent, and plastic is difficult to manage because it does not decompose and scrap collectors accept only limited types. Second, energy poverty makes gas and electricity unavailable or unaffordable, while firewood and charcoal are scarce or costly. In that context, plastic can become an accessible, cheap option and, as Bishal Bharadwaj notes, burning may be a last resort to remove accumulated plastic. The burning often occurs inside homes or informal spaces and so remains invisible in official data.
The study lists commonly burned items and describes the health hazards. Household burning of bottles, bags, food packaging, chemical containers, pipes and parts from broken appliances produces incomplete combustion, which generates fine particulates and hazardous organic compounds. Some plastics such as PVC release dioxins and furans. As Noha El‑Halawany explains, uncontrolled temperatures in household stoves break plastics down into highly toxic by‑products that can settle on surfaces or contaminate food and water. The report also cites research that found toxins in chicken eggs at an e‑waste site in Ghana where plastics and cables were burned.
- Commonly burned items: bottles, bags, food packaging, chemical containers, pipes and appliance parts.
Study participants ranked better waste management in informal settlements first, followed by increased access to clean energy technologies and awareness raising. Experts warn that bans without viable alternatives could worsen harm. Aziza Mohamed calls the phenomenon a form of environmental injustice concentrated on urban margins and urges urban policies that link planning, energy and waste management. The authors say the next step is evidence of local solutions that actually work on the ground.
Difficult words
- energy poverty — lack of affordable modern energy services at home
- incomplete combustion — burning that does not use enough oxygen
- dioxin — toxic chemical produced by burning some plasticsdioxins
- furan — toxic organic compound produced during some firesfurans
- informal settlement — neighbourhood without formal services or planninginformal settlements
- environmental injustice — unequal harm from pollution or policies
- coping strategy — actions people use to manage difficult situationscoping strategies
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What local solutions might reduce household burning of plastic in informal settlements? Give examples and reasons.
- Experts warn bans without viable alternatives could worsen harm. How could that happen in practice?
- How can urban planning better link energy access and waste management to address this problem?
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