The increase in plastic waste is alarming, especially since the population growth spike is difficult to control. This issue is, of course, a challenge for heads of government in ASEAN because the problems mentioned above are closely correlated with the level of environmental pollution. The COVID-19 pandemic, in which all countries in the world are still struggling to handle the transmission of the viruses, has added to a long line of home work for each country with the emergence of a new form of pollutants during the COVID-19 crisis. This review of the literature would result in recommendations for policy direction on regional synergic cooperation in plastic waste management. Addressing the challenge of plastic pollution in Southeast Asia would require novel problem solving, innovative ideas and technology, and establishing a supportive innovation ecosystem in which these solutions can thrive. In summary, waste management synergies are essential to preserving the environment.