This update, the third in a series to agencies on the issue, provides an overview of the effect that the restrictions are having on the export of recyclables from the U.S. and Canada, including the increased movement of material to Southeast Asian countries and additional potential restrictions.

“The deepening impact of China’s waste import restrictions is being felt in a growing number of communities,” said David Biderman, SWANA’s Executive Director and CEO. “In addition to the ban on certain materials and the new stringent contamination standard, China temporarily halted pre-shipment inspections in May. Combined with new limitations by other Asian countries receiving more recyclables from the U.S., the result has been lower prices and continued uncertainty about the long-term sustainability of recycling programs. SWANA feels it is important to continue to update key stakeholders on this evolving situation.”

SWANA has taken numerous steps to respond to the disruption caused by China’s waste import restrictions. These include the establishment of a Recycling Task Force consisting of industry and municipal leaders, advocacy on Capitol Hill for recycling-related funding in the Infrastructure bill, consulting with associations and other organizations that support recycling, and developing a China Waste Import Restrictions webpage of resources.

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