Europe may be congratulating itself for embracing sustainability but its appalling performance on disposal of plastics supposedly for recycling beyond its borders has been exposed. Close to a third of plastic exported from the EU, the UK, Switzerland and Norway to southeast Asia for recycling is not recycled at all, according to Irish researchers. Europe may have world-leading waste management infrastructure, yet much of its plastic for recycling is transported thousands of kilometres to countries with poor waste management practices. The consequences of China’s decision in 2017 to close its doors to most plastics is all too evident. Ultimately, European countries including their municipalities and waste management companies need to be held accountable for the final fate of “recycled” waste.

Source: The Irish Times July 01, 2020 20:03 UTC