Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Plastic pollution refers to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment that harms ecosystems and wildlife. It includes items like single-use plastics (e.g., bottles, bags) that do not easily biodegrade.
Related terms
Microplastics: Tiny pieces of plastic less than 5mm in size that are often found in water bodies and can be ingested by organisms.
Ocean Gyres: Large systems of circulating ocean currents that tend to accumulate floating debris, including plastic waste.
Plastic Recycling: The process of converting used plastics into new products instead of discarding them as waste.