Today plastic is an industry -greater than steel and aluminum combined. Plastic probably have one of the most spectacular growth history among engineering materials. Within relatively short time of their inception, these versatile materials began to replace metals and woods in variety of applications. Plastics is a product that was invented in early 20 century and now at the dawn of the century disposal of plastic is of great significance. They have taken over from other materials as the material of choice in many sectors of industry and life. In contrast to other materials, the volume of plastics in municipal solid waste (MSW) has increased phenomenally in recent years as more and more products are getting packed in plastic material. This has created demand for a better alternative for effective handling of waste other than putting it in landfill. Since plastics waste is a hidden source of potential energy and alternative raw material, recycling of the plastics waste provides net environmental and economic benefits. This paper on plastic waste disposal is intended to give you a general idea about different methods used to recover plastic waste. In some methods plastic products are made and in some another chemicals or energy is recovered. Plastics will make it possible to enhance the quality of life and use resources wisely. However, to appreciate this, we must take a life cycle approach-seeking conservation of resources in production and use and allowing the flexibility to use a range of recovery options to maximize environment gain. The future will be a place where miniaturization is the norm, as manufacturers seek to reduce the amount of natural resources they consume and the waste they produce. Prevention of waste through reduction and new developments in reusable systems are playing an increasingly important role in resource conservation and waste management. The plastics industry will continue to encourage reduction and reuse where contributions to resources conservation and prevention of waste can be balanced with fitness for purpose. The three R's-reuse, reduce and recycle-allow all these considerations to be balanced ensuring the best waste management option for net environmental gain and economic sense.

Many of our favorite products and containers are made from plastic. However, when we throw these plastics away they can often build up and cause some harmful effects. Most negative effects associated with plastic waste come from chemicals that leach from the plastic into the environment. You can help reduce the dangers of plastic waste in a few easy steps.
1. History
o Scientists had been tinkering with plastic-like material based on cellulose compounds since the mid-1850s, reports The American Chemistry Council. New York chemist Leo Baekeland invented the first true plastic material in 1907, Bakelite, which people still use today. The effects of plastic waste became evident during the 1950s, according to PackagingToday. Some children playing with discarded plastic bags suffocated, requiring a public campaign to warn people of plastic bag danger.
Significance
o The effects of plastic waste disposal can readily be seen in the environment. Plastics account for 12 percent of all municipal waste, according to the EPA Fact Book on solid waste. Californians Against Waste reports that plastic waste constitutes 60 to 80 percent of the waste in our waters, and 90 percent of floating waste. Most of this marine plastic waste originates from land sources, such as landfills. Water current can spread this waste over a large area and many miles from its source.
Effects
o Plastic wastes can break down and release toxins that harm the environment, animals and the general public, according to the International Plastics Task Force. Certain chemicals--such as bisphenol A--can cause some serious health concerns, according to an article on plastic bottles by Beth Daley of the Boston Globe. Even low doses of bisphenol may cause developmental problems in children.
Prevention/Solution
o You can help reduce the effects of plastic waste disposal by recycling plastics and reducing their use, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Many communities have recycling services that pick up plastic waste from your door. When you shop for products, consider buying economy size products and open-air fruit. Businesses can help by finding ways to make plastic packaging more efficient. Milk producers use 30 percent less plastic than they did 20 years ago.