So you thought your recyclable waste was going to a local processing plant? Instead it was very likely shipped to China, along with about half of the world’s exported plastic waste. However, in January 2018 China decided to ban plastic waste imports and end this charade.

Now western countries are now forced to deal with their own waste. But what motivated China to shut down an industry so many of its citizens depended on?

Guests:

Mao Da, Rock Environment and Energy Institute

Chen Liwen, Nature University ENGO

Christine Loh, Civic Exchange and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Credits:

Producer and Host: Marcy Trent Long 

Co-Producer: Sam Colombie

Sound Engineer: Chris Wood

Teaching Guide for Educators here