Leakage

The outflow of plastic from the technosphere (the human environment), followed by accumulation in natural systems. Releases may occur to different compartments—rivers and the Ocean, soils and other terrestrial environments, and air; the sum of releases to these compartments constitutes total leakage.

It is distinct from loss, i.e., the quantity leaving a product system or a properly managed waste‑management system but not necessarily entering the environment because it may still be intercepted or recovered.

Release refers to the portion that actually exits the human environment and enters natural compartments, thereby contributing to leakage.

👉 Read How does plastic enter the Ocean? to know more.

👉 Read How does mismanagement fuel marine pollution? to know more.