UK Plastic Waste Exports to Developing Nations Surge 84%

UK Plastic Waste Exports to Developing Nations Surge 84%
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The UK’s exports of plastic waste to developing countries surged by 84% in 2024, despite a commitment to halt the practice, The Guardian reported. The increase saw shipments rise to 17,624 tonnes, up from 9,569 tonnes the previous year.

The vast majority of this waste, which often ends up in unmanaged dumps and pollutes waterways, was sent to Turkey, which received 16,368 tonnes. Significant amounts were also exported to countries like Pakistan and Vietnam.

While the government has pledged to ban the export of plastic waste to non-OECD countries, the data suggests that exporters are exploiting a regulatory gap. They are now classifying the waste as “hard-to-recycle,” which currently bypasses the upcoming ban aimed at protecting developing nations from hazardous UK waste. Environmental campaigners are calling for immediate and robust government action to close these loopholes and enforce the promised ban fully.