SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): Prior to the approaching sixth round of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), which will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from August 5–14, 2025, the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) organized a significant debate event on plastic pollution.

The main focus of the talks was how important comprehensive waste and resource management is to reducing plastic pollution.

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The panel discussion featured eminent speakers including Jeff Bezzo, Plastic Sustainability Leader, SC Johnson and Board Treasurer, Circular Action Alliance; Chuck Chaitovitz, Vice President, Environmental Affairs and Sustainability, US Chamber of Commerce; and Ganesh Nagarajan, Senior Director of Plastics, WM. It was moderated by Amy Lestition Burke, CEO of SWANA.

A number of stakeholders gave their opinions on the INC negotiations in roundtable conversations that followed the panel session. The implementation of EPR policies, different facets of the international EPR framework, and other topics were also covered.

In relation to global initiatives to reduce plastic pollution, the SWANA event emphasized the significance of recycling systems, garbage collecting, and pollution prevention. It pointed out that the results of the international agreement could have a significant impact on future regulations aimed at reducing plastic pollution.