The total volume of plastic waste physically removed or diverted from natural environments, such as aquatic, marine, terrestrial, or urban ecosystems, through clean-up activities, waste interception infrastructure, or other interventions. This includes macroplastics and microplastics collected before entering or while present in these environments.
Volume of Plastic Removed (PI3664)
- Reporting Format Unit Referenced within Metric Definition
- Metric Type Metric
- Metric Level Product/Service, Organization
- IRIS Metric Citation IRIS, 2025. Volume of Plastic Removed (PI3664). v5.3b.
Footnote
Organizations should footnote all assumptions used.
Usage Guidance
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This metric is intended to measure the effectiveness of plastic waste removal efforts in reducing pollution and environmental harm across various ecosystems, including marine, freshwater, coastal, urban, and terrestrial settings.
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This metric is aligned with Global Reporting Initiatives Standards GRI 306 Waste: 2020
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Unit of measurement: Kilograms (kg) or Metric Tons (tonnes).
Impact Categories & Themes
SDG Goals & Targets
Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG Target 11.6
Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG Target 12.5
Life Below Water
- SDG Target 14.1
Metric History
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June 2025 - IRIS+ v5.3b Released (current version)
New metric. Volume of Plastic Removed (PI3664) was developed via the IRIS+ Marine Resources Conservation and Management Expert Subgroup.