Plastic’s Hidden Price Tag

U.S. faces up to $1.1 trillion in annual social costs, Duke scholars estimate

graphic of a beaver surrounded by images of plastics

Plastic is everywhere in daily life in the United States, from synthetic fabrics to toys to disposable utensils, straws and bags. But a new report from Duke University scholars finds that all this plastic comes with an annual toll for Americans between $436 billion and $1.1 trillion — and that’s likely an underestimate.

Human health impacts from plastic use make up most of the total cost. Toxic chemicals found in plastics — such as phthalates, PFAS, BPA and flame retardants — have been connected to cancer, cardiovascular disease, reproductive disorders and neurological conditions.

These diseases and conditions are associated with increased health care expenses, lost worker productivity and premature death.

Other documented costs include greenhouse gas emissions, disposal in landfills and impacts on marine ecosystems and industries.

“The prices that consumers pay for plastic products don’t tell the whole story of their costs,” said Nancy Lauer, lead author and staff scientist at Duke’s Environmental Law and Policy Clinic. “Fossil fuel subsidies keep plastics relatively inexpensive in the United States. But as our report reveals, the true economic, environmental and health costs to society are far greater.” 

Report estimates an annual toll of $436 billion to $1.1 trillion

When Plastic is Made, a graphic with collages of plastic
When Plastic is Used, human health impacts of plastic
When plastic is discarded, a graphic and drawings

The report was written by experts at Duke University’s Environmental Law and Policy Clinic, the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, and the School of Medicine. It provides the most detailed look yet at the social cost of plastic, drawing on estimates from 13 existing studies on plastic’s harms across its life cycle.  

The authors call for more research to fill key data gaps on costs associated with additional impacts, including the effects of microplastics on health and the environment.

Read the full report on the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability website.