Regional Insights into Single-Use Plastic Usage and Disposal: A Comparative Study of Five Asian Cities

Plastic pollution is a critical issue in rapidly developing cities. A nuanced understanding of consumer behavior related to single-use plastic (SUP) usage is therefore essential for effective interventions, in light of the global plastic treaty. This study conducts a survey of 1,492 participants across five Asian cities to analyze SUP consumption and disposal patterns amid the post-COVID “new normal”. Results reveal significant inter-city differences: Shanghai and Harbin demonstrate high overall SUP usage despite lower consumption of plastic shopping bags; Hanoi and Depok exhibit lower total consumption but distinct product preferences, such as elevated use of plastic shopping bags and party cups; and Phnom Penh recorded the highest consumption of plastic shopping bags, bottles, and straws. Plastic shopping bags were the most used item in all cities, ranging from 18 to 34 bags weekly, with no significant differences by urban versus rural areas, age, or gender. Conversely, urban areas showed higher usage of plastic take out containers, cutlery, coffee cups, and party cups. The COVID-19 pandemic has notably reshaped SUP consumption trends. Moreover, over half of SUPs were disposed of without proper separation. These findings underscore that reducing SUPs requires flexible, phased, and region-specific interventions to build a resilient circular economy.