War on Foreign Waste

For nearly three decades, China has been the world’s biggest importer of recyclable waste, the processing of which has become a primary industry for some coastal regions. These imports have alleviated manufacturing material shortfalls but, if processed improperly, produce environmentally hazardous materials that pose a serious threat to public health. This year the Chinese government banned the import of 24 types of solid waste to combat pollution. It has also stepped up a crackdown on waste smuggling, and the import of overseas waste will be completely prohibited by the end of 2020. It is a blow to overseas waste exporters, and manufacturers in China will also face higher costs for materials. Meanwhile, it will be a challenge for China to reorder its domestic recycling and garbage sorting industries.