Management of Plastic Waste Processing and Recycling in Water Pollution Reduction

Introduction. Plastic decomposition is an exceptionally protracted process, requiring urgent measures to reduce environmental pollution, including that of water resources. Current solutions include increasing measures to sort and recycle plastic waste and developing biodegradable and environmentally friendly substitutes. Although plastic is recyclable, not all types are easily recycled. Therefore, most significant efforts are needed to find sustainable solutions. This highlights the importance of analysing the current situation regarding plastic waste and developing specific measures to reduce pollution. Aim and tasks. This study aims to analyse the concern of increasing plastic waste in Bulgaria and to develop strategies for its reduction. In particular, measures to reduce the consumption of plastic products, introduce separate waste collection, and recycle and reuse valuable raw materials are considered, emphasising the contribution of these actions to reducing water resource pollution. Results. This study analysed two main pollution control areas: limiting plastic use and introducing rapidly degradable materials. These approaches do not exclude but complement each other. This study confirms that using biodegradable polymers such as PLA, PHA, and PBS has significant environmental benefits despite their cost and the disadvantages of production technologies. Effective solutions to pollution problems have been shown to require legislative measures and innovations, raising public awareness, and developing a culture of separate waste collection. The research and analysis revealed ways to reduce the pollution of water bodies with plastic and polyethene waste. The effects of this waste on the development of humanity have been examined, and options for solving these problems on a global scale have been proposed. Conclusions. Plastic products and packaging have a significant negative impact on the environment, including reducing pollution of water and marine ecosystems. It is necessary to improve the efficiency of plastic waste management and recycling. Analysis of these data on the pollution of water bodies and adjacent territories showed the need to develop a system for monitoring and collecting information on pollution, including in hard-to-reach areas. To reduce this impact, it is important to combine limiting plastic consumption and using rapidly degradable bioplastics with the active implementation of recycling and reuse programs.