Malaysia stops accepting plastic waste from the U.S. and other rich nations

Malaysia stops accepting plastic waste from rich nations

The U.S. produces more plastic waste than any other country in the world. Last year, more than 35,000 tons of it was shipped to Malaysia, which received more discarded plastic from rich nations than any other developing country. But in June, Malaysian leaders effectively banned future shipments. John Yang speaks with Anja Brandon, director of plastics policy at Ocean Conservancy, to learn more.

Malaysia stops accepting plastic waste from the U.S. and other rich nations

The U.S. produces more plastic waste than any other country in the world. Last year, more than 35,000 tons of it was shipped to Malaysia, which received more discarded plastic from rich nations than any other developing country. But in June, Malaysian leaders effectively banned future shipments. John Yang speaks with Anja Brandon, director of plastics policy at Ocean Conservancy, to learn more.

Open burning of plastic poses rising risks to public health, experts s

Plastic waste is an exploding global problem, with minimal recycling resulting in incineration as a common disposal practice. Shipments of plastic products and plastic waste from the Global North to the Global South are contributing to a flood of plastics that are not recycled and often burned.