Plastic Overshoot Day marks the point when the amount of plastic waste generated exceeds the world’s capacity to manage it, resulting in environmental pollution. In 2026, the global Plastic Overshoot Day is projected to occur on September 6th.
Key highlights
- 227M t plastic waste generated worldwide in 2026
- Nearly 72 million tonnes (31.6%) will be mismanaged and likely end up in nature
- 116 days of global plastic overshoot in 2026, out of 365
- 12 countries responsible for close to 60% of the world’s mismanaged plastic waste (69 of the 116 days)
Every country has its own Plastic Overshoot Day
A country’s Overshoot Day is built on four factors:
1) the amount of plastic waste the population generates,
2) how well that plastic is managed once it becomes waste,
3) how much plastic waste the country exports, and
4) how much it imports. Explore the details for your country below.
Contribution to Plastic Overshoot Day by country
Each country contributes to a portion of the 116 days of plastic overshoot that will occur in 2026. Countries contribute in different proportions according to the total amount of plastic waste they mismanage, with this amount then translated into a number of days.
Is it getting better or worse?
Since 2021, Plastic Overshoot Day has been pushed a little closer to December every year by a few days, indicating a slight improvement in global waste management.
However, there has been a consistent rise in global plastic waste generation, from 202 million tonnes in 2021 to nearly 227 million tonnes in 2026. Therefore, despite an improvement in plastic waste management practices, the overall quantity of mismanaged plastic waste continues to rise, from around 69 million tonnes in 2021 to nearly 72 million tonnes in 2026.
It’s time for action
The findings underscore the urgency for systemic change. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to reduce plastic waste, improve waste management infrastructure, and transition towards circular solutions that prevent plastic from becoming pollution in the first place. Plastic Overshoot Day is a warning signal. But it is also an opportunity to rethink how we produce, consume, and manage plastic, and to take action before the crisis worsens.