Plastic Litter Costs the U.S. Up to $1 Trillion Annually

New research from Duke University highlights the massive health, environmental, and economic costs of plastic litter in the U.S., estimating an annual burden of $400 million to $1 trillion. Unlike traditional studies focusing on cleanup costs, this analysis considers downstream impacts such as microplastics in drinking water, harm to wildlife, clogged stormwater systems, degraded coastlines, and lost economic productivity.

Health-related costs account for the largest share, potentially reaching $900 billion yearly, as mounting evidence links microplastics to inflammatory bowel disease, hormone disruption, and neurological effects. Americans are exposed to tens of thousands of microplastic particles annually via air and food, and recent studies have detected these particles in blood, lungs, and placentas.

The findings underscore that plastic pollution is not just an environmental nuisance but a serious public-health issue. Researchers emphasize that upstream prevention and policy measures could reduce exposure and associated societal costs.

17-12-2025