Us Plastic Waste Export: A Troubling Trade

The plastic waste trade is a complex issue, with many countries, including the US, shipping plastic waste overseas. In 2010, the US exported about 5% of its plastic waste. While the US has reduced its plastic waste exports since China's 2018 ban on plastic imports, it still exports a significant amount of plastic waste to countries with poor waste management systems, such as Vietnam, where informal processing methods can cause environmental and health issues.

Leading destinations for US plastic scrap exports

The United States has been exporting its plastic waste to other countries for decades. In 2010, the US exported about 5% of its plastic waste. Up until 2017, China was the leading destination for US plastic scrap exports, but in 2018, China introduced a ban on the import of such materials. This ban was part of a broader policy decision to stop the import of 24 different types of solid waste, including paper, textiles, and plastics, due to environmental and health concerns.

Following China's ban, Canada and Mexico became the leading destinations for US plastic scrap exports, accounting for more than half of exports in 2023. In 2023, Canada imported 154 thousand metric tons of plastic scrap from the United States, while Mexico imported 76.2 thousand tons. Asian countries such as India, Malaysia, and Vietnam received the second-largest share of US plastic scrap exports.

Despite international agreements and laws restricting the export of plastic waste from richer countries to poorer ones, data shows that American exporters continue to ship plastic waste overseas, often to poorer countries with poor waste management systems. This has led to concerns about the environmental and social impact of these exports, as poorly managed waste can leak into the ocean and cause pollution and health risks.

The environmental impact of US plastic waste exports

In 2018, the US exported 1.07 million tons of plastic waste, about one-third of its recycling. This number decreased to 0.6 million tons in 2021, according to national estimates. The US has been directing its plastic waste exports to various countries, primarily in Asia, after China implemented stricter regulations on the import of foreign plastic in 2017. The ban resulted in a 92% drop in US plastic waste exports to China and encouraged other countries, such as Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, to become major importers of plastic waste. However, these countries have also become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of plastic waste coming in from developed nations.

Secondly, the exports can lead to environmental and health risks in the importing countries. Poor waste management practices in these countries can result in plastic waste leaking into local ecosystems and contaminating water sources. This contamination can have detrimental effects on both the environment and the health of local communities. Additionally, the burning of plastic waste to reduce its volume can release toxic fumes, further exacerbating air pollution and posing health risks to nearby populations.

Furthermore, the plastic waste exports can have economic implications for the importing countries. While recycled plastics can provide economic benefits by being repurposed into new products, the influx of plastic waste can strain local infrastructure and increase disposal costs for these nations. This can divert resources away from other critical areas of development.

To mitigate these environmental impacts, several countries have implemented bans on the import of plastic waste. China, for instance, banned 24 types of solid waste, including plastics, in 2017. This decision was driven by environmental and health concerns, and it significantly reduced the global volume of plastic trade. India also announced a similar ban on scrap plastic imports in 2019. However, despite these efforts, the US continues to ship plastic waste overseas, often to poorer countries, even as the international community works to curb this practice.

US plastic waste exports to countries with poor waste management

The US has been criticised for exporting plastic waste to countries with poor waste management, particularly in Southeast Asia. This practice has been blamed for contributing to ocean plastic pollution and environmental and health risks.

In 2018, the US exported 1.07 million tons of plastic waste, with 78% going to countries with poor waste management. These countries, including China, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, often lack the infrastructure and regulations to effectively and sustainably sort, process, and recycle plastic waste. For example, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam have waste mismanagement rates of 85%, 81%, and 85%, respectively, while the US has a rate of 0.0000001%.

China previously served as the main destination for US plastic waste until it implemented stricter policies in 2017 and 2018, leading to a 92% drop in US plastic waste exports to the country. As a result, other countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, have become overwhelmed by the influx of plastic waste from the US and other developed countries.

Despite international agreements and laws restricting the export of plastic waste from richer to poorer countries, data shows that American exports of plastic scrap to poorer countries have barely changed. This has led to concerns about illegal trafficking and the environmental impact of mismanaged waste, which can enter the ocean through inland waterways, wastewater outflows, and transport by wind or tides.

Ending plastic waste exports to countries with poor waste management could benefit the US by providing a clearer picture of its plastic waste generation volume and driving the reduction of low-value single-use plastics. It would also highlight the need for stronger US recycling systems to recover higher-value plastics.

The legality of US plastic waste exports

In May 2019, 187 countries agreed to restrict the international trade in plastic scrap and waste to prevent improper disposal and reduce its environmental impact. This agreement, an amendment to the Basel Convention, aimed to curb the trade in plastic waste from richer countries to poorer ones with less stringent environmental regulations. However, the United States is not a party to the Basel Convention, which creates a legal loophole for US exporters.

Despite not being a party to the Basel Convention, US plastic waste exports are still subject to the laws and regulations of importing countries and any transit countries. For example, Mexico, a party to the Basel Convention, requires prior notice and consent for US exports of non-hazardous plastic scrap and waste as of January 1, 2021. This means that US exporters must receive consent from Mexico's environmental agency, SEMARNAT, and submit original export notifications with the signature of the exporter or their legal representative.

Additionally, the US has separate agreements with several countries and organizations, such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), that cover the transboundary shipment of hazardous waste. These agreements may include provisions for the trade of plastic scrap and waste.

However, enforcement of these regulations and agreements remains a challenge. Environmental watchdog groups have noted that US exports of plastic scrap to poorer countries have continued despite international restrictions. Furthermore, a large amount of plastic scrap exported from the US does not get recycled but ends up as waste, undermining the efforts to reduce plastic pollution globally.

In summary, while there are legal mechanisms in place to regulate US plastic waste exports, the effectiveness of these mechanisms is dependent on consistent enforcement and compliance across multiple jurisdictions. The complex nature of international trade and the varying capacities of countries to manage plastic waste add to the challenges of ensuring the legality and sustainability of US plastic waste exports.

The economic benefits of US plastic waste exports

In 2023, Canada and Mexico were the leading destinations for US plastic scrap exports, with Canada importing 154 thousand metric tons and Mexico importing 76.2 thousand metric tons. These exports are economically valuable to the US as they provide a means to manage plastic waste without incurring the full costs of recycling it domestically.

From the perspective of importing countries, particularly low-income nations, the economic benefits of US plastic waste exports can also be substantial. Low-income countries can acquire plastic, a valuable raw material, at a lower cost, which can then be used as a cost-effective resource for manufacturing and production. This access to affordable raw materials can stimulate economic growth and development in these countries.

Additionally, the global trade in plastic waste can create economic opportunities for various industries and sectors. The scrap industry, for example, may experience increased revenue and job creation due to the demand for recycled materials. Furthermore, the trade can lead to the development of new technologies and processes for recycling and waste management, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

However, it is important to acknowledge the environmental and health risks associated with the plastic waste trade. While the economic benefits are significant, concerns have been raised about the impact of plastic pollution, particularly in countries with poor waste management systems. To address these concerns, it is essential to prioritize responsible and sustainable waste management practices, such as ensuring proper recycling and disposal methods, to mitigate the potential negative consequences of plastic waste exports.

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