Smuggling Europe's Wast to Poorer Countries

When two inspectors swung open the doors of a battered red shipping container they found Europe's electronic waste - old wires, electricity meters, circuit boards -  along with mixed remnants of cardboard and plastic. The shipping container was suppose to be headed to China, but was impounded after inspection. Passage of the container was not permitted because of Europe's strict new laws that place restrictions on all types of waste exports.

Exporting waste illegally to poor countries has become a vast and growing international business. Rotterdam, Netherlands, the busiest port in Europe, has become the main external garbage chute. Sending massive amounts of waste to places like China, Indonesia, India, and Africa. The sad reality is that the electronic waste disposed by Europe must be dismantled by children, at the cost of their health. Other types of garbage, that is suppose to be recycled, is often burned or left to rot, polluting the air and water and releasing gases linked to global warming.

While must of the international waste trade is legal, sent to qualified overseas recyclers, a big chunk is not. Europe, for example, deals with underground traders and makes its waste simply disappear. With the strict environmental laws that Europe has set makes home recycling expensive. Therefore, Europe has caused its own temptation to export waste illegally. Many shipping containers are marked as recyclable materials, yet never expected. With the new knowledge that Europe is heavily exporting illegally inspections are becoming much harsher. Promotion of recycling materials at home will continue, but whether the rules will be followed is still a question of interest.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/science/earth/27waste.html?ref=europe 

By: Taylar Proctor