Thailand Bans Plastic Waste Imports in Effort to Curb Toxic Pollution [Video]

Following years of campaigning by environmental activists, Thailand has banned foreign imports of plastic waste due to concerns about toxic pollution.

Experts warn that the failure to reach an agreement on a global treaty to eliminate plastic waste will have adverse impacts on human health, reported The Guardian.

“The ban on imports will help stimulate plastic recycling in Thailand, ensuring more efficient resource usage and reducing the amount of unused plastic waste,” said Arada Fuangthong, director-general of Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade, as Sustainable Plastics reported. “This will also help reduce pollution that could impact the environment and public health.”

Fuangthong added that Thailand’s plastic waste problem has increased “significantly,” and that the country has struggled with electronic waste being smuggled in mixed with plastic waste.

Issued by the Thai Department of Foreign Trade on January 1, the new regulation provided a grace period from December 17 to 31 to allow for the completion of pending imports.

The guidelines require the promotion of …