From January to November last year, the kingdom imported more than 163,000 tons of plastic waste. Half of that came from Japan and the US. Environmental groups say the government’s decision is a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t address the entire problem.
Greenpeace pointed out that Thailand relies on a narrow definition that does not include plastic resins. The organisation Soil called for stricter inspection of containers in ports to prevent shifts to the black market.
China’s import ban in 2018
For years, a large portion of plastic waste exports ended up in China, the largest market for recyclable waste at the time. However, since the beginning of 2018, a number of recycled materials, including unsorted plastic waste, may no longer be exported to the People’s Republic.
This had led to serious disruptions in the globally highly networked industry. As a result, more and more large amounts of plastic found their way to Southeast Asia – and again and again in the environment.
(AFP)
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
