Methodology and geo-referenced mapping of agricultural plastic waste in Finland and Norway

AbstractThe growing use of plastics in agriculture has improved farming systems but created new waste management challenges. While research in Southern Europe has addressed this issue, little is known about agricultural plastic waste in boreal regions. This study estimates agricultural plastic waste generation in Finland and Norway using geo-referenced provincial mapping. Plastic Waste Indices, developed and validated with national data, were combined with agricultural census information to quantify and visualize waste distribution. Cultivated surfaces in Finland and Norway are limited by other land uses such as forestry, geographical barriers like lakes and rugged mountains and by climate characterized by short growing seasons and cold, long winters. Cultivations are concentrated in certain fertile areas with high productivity, and mainly include green fodder, silage and cereals. Results recorded annual agricultural plastic waste of about 18,800 tons in Norway and 12,200 tons in Finland. This results in an annual value of 19.1 kg of plastic waste per hectare of utilized agricultural area in Norway and 9.3 kg in Finland, on average. Silage films are the main source of agricultural plastic waste, contributing over 69% of waste in Finland and 56% in Norway, with notable provincial differences. The study approach applied in this paper provides a replicable framework for other regions to identify and locate waste. This study bridges data gaps on plastic pollution generation in agriculture, which may support waste managers and policymakers decisions on waste management infrastructures. This can improve recycling rates and reduce environmental plastic pollution.