Plastic waste is a growing environmental and health concern, with over 280 million tonnes produced globally each year, of which less than half is recycled or landfilled. The remaining 150 million tonnes pollute oceans and land, harming wildlife and humans. Plastic debris can physically injure animals and release harmful chemicals, which can enter food chains and affect human health. Current policies classify plastics as solid waste, but the authors argue that the most harmful plastics should be classified as hazardous to enable better regulation and cleanup. Plastics are made of monomers that can be toxic, and many contain harmful additives. These chemicals can accumulate in the environment and disrupt biological processes. Studies show that priority pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, are found in plastic waste at high concentrations, posing risks to wildlife and humans. The authors suggest that the largest plastic producers—such as the US, Europe, and China—should classify the most harmful plastics as hazardous to protect ecosystems and human health. The authors argue that reclassifying plastics as hazardous could lead to the development of safer, more sustainable materials and reduce plastic waste. They reference the success of the Montreal Protocol in reducing harmful chemicals, suggesting a similar approach for plastics. While some critics argue that plastics are not as dangerous as CFCs, the authors believe that manufacturers should prove the safety of their products. They also note that current recycling efforts are insufficient and that a closed-loop system would be more effective. The authors call for immediate action to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable alternatives. They estimate that if the most harmful plastics are classified as hazardous, the global plastic waste could be reduced from 33 billion tonnes by 2050 to 4 billion tonnes. The study highlights the urgent need for policy changes to address the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution.Plastic waste is a growing environmental and health concern, with over 280 million tonnes produced globally each year, of which less than half is recycled or landfilled. The remaining 150 million tonnes pollute oceans and land, harming wildlife and humans. Plastic debris can physically injure animals and release harmful chemicals, which can enter food chains and affect human health. Current policies classify plastics as solid waste, but the authors argue that the most harmful plastics should be classified as hazardous to enable better regulation and cleanup. Plastics are made of monomers that can be toxic, and many contain harmful additives. These chemicals can accumulate in the environment and disrupt biological processes. Studies show that priority pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls, are found in plastic waste at high concentrations, posing risks to wildlife and humans. The authors suggest that the largest plastic producers—such as the US, Europe, and China—should classify the most harmful plastics as hazardous to protect ecosystems and human health. The authors argue that reclassifying plastics as hazardous could lead to the development of safer, more sustainable materials and reduce plastic waste. They reference the success of the Montreal Protocol in reducing harmful chemicals, suggesting a similar approach for plastics. While some critics argue that plastics are not as dangerous as CFCs, the authors believe that manufacturers should prove the safety of their products. They also note that current recycling efforts are insufficient and that a closed-loop system would be more effective. The authors call for immediate action to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable alternatives. They estimate that if the most harmful plastics are classified as hazardous, the global plastic waste could be reduced from 33 billion tonnes by 2050 to 4 billion tonnes. The study highlights the urgent need for policy changes to address the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution.