Time to End ‘Waste Colonialism’ Through a Global Plastics Treaty
Authors:
Mageswari Sangaralingam and The Diplomat
Date:
13 March 2024
Category:
International Law
Keyword:
Plastics,
Trade
Region:
Asia & Pacific
Language:
English
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The global production and trade of plastic waste have drastically increased over the recent decades. Plastic waste is mostly traded under the banner of plastic “recycling.” This practice of exporting waste from higher-income countries to lower-income countries that are ill-equipped to handle the waste is a form of environmental racism or, as rights holders put it, waste colonialism.
A rich and developed country should have the capacity to manage its own waste. However, instead of reducing production and investing in infrastructure for recycling, they choose to transfer their responsibility to developing and under-resourced countries. This is not only unfair but is truly an injustice. Much of the plastic being produced is single-use and of little or no recycling value. However, these plastic wastes are still destined for recycling operations although not all plastics can be recycled.
Waste that cannot be recycled due to contamination or being low value is considered residual waste, and most often is dumped openly or burned in the recipient countries. When the waste is burned, the toxic fumes cause respiratory problems and other ailments in the neighboring communities. Since such practices are situated around the most vulnerable communities; they suffer the most from breathing difficulties, asthma, skin problems, various kinds of cancers and other chronic illnesses.