The article highlights the urgent need to classify harmful plastics as hazardous waste to address the growing plastic pollution crisis. Last year, 280 million tons of plastic were produced globally, with less than half being landfilled or recycled. The remaining 150 million tons litter continents and oceans, posing significant risks to wildlife and human health. Plastic debris can physically harm animals and act as a vehicle for transporting species to new habitats, where they can cause ecological damage. Additionally, microplastics can infiltrate food webs and enter the human body, causing harm. The authors argue that countries should classify the most harmful plastics, such as PVC, polystyrene, polyurethane, and polycarbonate, as hazardous to allow environmental agencies to take immediate action. They suggest that this classification would enable the cleanup of affected habitats and accelerate the development of safer, more sustainable materials. The article also notes that historical examples, such as the reclassification of CFCs and persistent organic pollutants, demonstrate the effectiveness of such measures. Despite potential economic concerns, the authors emphasize that addressing plastic waste is crucial for environmental and public health.The article highlights the urgent need to classify harmful plastics as hazardous waste to address the growing plastic pollution crisis. Last year, 280 million tons of plastic were produced globally, with less than half being landfilled or recycled. The remaining 150 million tons litter continents and oceans, posing significant risks to wildlife and human health. Plastic debris can physically harm animals and act as a vehicle for transporting species to new habitats, where they can cause ecological damage. Additionally, microplastics can infiltrate food webs and enter the human body, causing harm. The authors argue that countries should classify the most harmful plastics, such as PVC, polystyrene, polyurethane, and polycarbonate, as hazardous to allow environmental agencies to take immediate action. They suggest that this classification would enable the cleanup of affected habitats and accelerate the development of safer, more sustainable materials. The article also notes that historical examples, such as the reclassification of CFCs and persistent organic pollutants, demonstrate the effectiveness of such measures. Despite potential economic concerns, the authors emphasize that addressing plastic waste is crucial for environmental and public health.