Countdown begins to China’s total ban on imported waste
- Environment ministry will stop issuing licences for solid waste from overseas at the start of next year
- The move is part of a string of policies to tackle pollution and force the industry to improve processing
China is pressing ahead with a total ban on imports of solid waste, with the order set to come into effect at the start of next year, according to Chinese authorities.
The ban was underlined in a joint statement on Wednesday by the country’s environment and commerce ministries as well as the National Development and Reform Commission, and the customs administration.
Under the ban, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment will no longer issue import licences for solid waste, according to the statement.
Xiao Jianjun, chief executive of Guoheng Plastic Technology in the southern city of Dongguan, applauded the move, saying it was good for the waste processing industry.
“It lays out clear guidelines and specifications for businesses to follow in promoting environmental protection,” Xiao said.
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China to ban all imports of solid waste