Foreign waste ban a mixed blessing for China

China factories face crunch in raw materials but domestic recycling could get a boost

Tonnes of waste paper at a Hong Kong dock on Sept 15 waiting to be shipped to mainland China. The 24 types of waste banned from being brought in this year include scrap plastic and paper, which are processed and recycled into raw materials used to ma
Tonnes of waste paper at a Hong Kong dock on Sept 15 waiting to be shipped to mainland China. The 24 types of waste banned from being brought in this year include scrap plastic and paper, which are processed and recycled into raw materials used to manufacture new products. PHOTO: REUTERS
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Beijing's move to ban imports of foreign waste has resulted in a shortage of raw materials for its manufacturing sector, but could also boost domestic recycling, experts say.

But for this to happen, the country must put in place a comprehensive system and policy for waste management, and educate its masses about the need to recycle.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 27, 2018, with the headline Foreign waste ban a mixed blessing for China. Subscribe