US plastic waste is causing global environmental crisis

http://theecologist.org/2018/oct/15/us-plastic-waste-causing-global-environmental-crisis
Date Written:  2018-10-15
Publisher:  Ecologist
Year Published:  2018
Resource Type:  Article
Cx Number:  CX23018

A recent ban in China, which normally takes in the largest proportion of US plastic waste, has left the US dumping plastic in other over-burdened countries, while waste still continues to pile up in the States. US plastic scrap exports dropped by almost a third in the first six months of 2018, as waste firms struggled to find a home for their plastic scrap.

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The influx of western rubbish into these countries has forced some to impose restrictions on waste imports.

Earlier this summer, plastic processing factories in Banting, south-west of Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur were forced to close because of residents complaining of air and water pollution.

The country's government announced a new import tax on plastic waste, last week. Malaysia is also tightening requirements on operating permits and is looking to clampdown on illegal processors.

Restrictions have also been introduced in Vietnam. In May, authorities in the country announced a temporary ban on plastic and paper waste imports from the middle of this June until October.

Two of the country's biggest ports - Tan Cang-Cai Mep International and Tan Cang-Cat Lai - have reportedly become overwhelmed with plastic and paper scrap since the China ban came into force.