Caixin: China’s Ban on Plastic Waste Imports to Choke World?

Discarded plastic for recycling is a major export for many nations. China was the largest importer of such waste, but that ends with a ban imposed on such imports as of 1 January. Yang Rui reports for Caixin: China “imported 7.3 million metric tons (8 tons) of plastic waste in 2016 mainly from Europe, Japan and the United States, worth billions of dollars. The country’s hunger for plastic has spawned a lucrative industry where plastic waste is purchased from the international market and turned into raw materials for local manufactures.” Wang Jiuliang directed the documentary “Plastic China” and endured exposure to toxins and illness while filming the many health and environmental hazards associated with the trade. Other medical or hazardous materials can be mixed with plastic waste shipped from the United States, South Korea, Japan and other nations. The director visited a US recycling center where a manager admitted not knowing about the training or understanding of dangers on the Chinese side. Chinese and foreign audiences were appalled by shots of dangerous practices. The independent film was popular in 2016 before disappearing from China’s internet, but became available again in theaters before the ban went into effect. Analysts anticipate the waste to be shipped to other Asian nations, the Middle East and Africa. – YaleGlobal