Considering that the majority of ocean plastic waste comes from developing countries without waste management programs or with mismanaged programs, experts believe that developed nations should divert part of their budgets for foreign aid toward helping those countries improve their waste management efforts.

According to a report from the Chartered Institute of Waste Managers and the UK-based NGO WasteAid, poorer nations without regular waste collection and recycling programs are responsible for nearly 70 percent of worldwide ocean plastic pollution by weight. Likewise, 38 of 50 of the largest uncontrolled dumpsites in the world are located in coastal regions, spilling waste directly into the ocean.

As such, researchers believe that improving waste management efforts in these poorer countries could result in the reduction of half of the plastic waste worldwide from entering the ocean.

To read the report, click here.