The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) prepared the following letter regarding important and recent recycling market developments that have implications for the movement of recyclables worldwide, and that may impact recycling programs in Ohio:
In July 2017, China notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its intention to prohibit the import of certain solid wastes and scrap into their country, including mixed paper and mixed plastics, beginning on January 1, 2018. In addition, China announced a new, and exceedingly stringent, contamination standard applicable to recyclable imports (0.3 percent). This proposal is inconsistent with the global standards followed by the recycling community and its industrial consumers, and if adopted, will effectively result in a ban on the importation of virtually all waste and scrap commodities, as the standard is nearly impossible to achieve.
To read the complete letter click here.