Construction and demolition waste contributes millions of tonnes of plastic annually, including PVC pipes and insulation foam that resist recycling rates below 10%. Unlike tyre wear particles, which are dispersed, this waste clogs landfills with bulky, non-decomposing materials. The total plastic volume is 40% higher than typical building waste estimates due to illegal dumping. Compared to plastic sachets, it is less visible but more persistent, taking centuries to degrade. Among list items, it ranks lowest in immediate aquatic harm but highest in long-term land contamination, with over 12 million tonnes from U.S. construction alone in 2020, outpacing #7 agricultural films in total weight.
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