Basel Convention will control plastic waste trade

On May 10, 2019, plastic was officially added to the Basel Convention, a treaty that controls the movement of hazardous waste between countries. Beginning Jan. 1, 2021, plastic waste that is contaminated will be treated as “hazardous material” rather than “solid plastic waste.” It will require prior consent from receiving countries before waste is allowed for export. Clean plastic waste, almost exclusively consisting of one resin, will still be allowed for export if it is “destined for recycling in an environmentally sound manner and almost free from contamination.” — from the EPI newsletter.

Read more from Resource Recycling, Basel changes may have bigger impact than China ban, BAN's press release, and Break Free From Plastic's press release.