Campaigns

What's wrong with sending our waste for recycling to China?
30 March 2011

Shipping our waste thousands of miles away adds to the effects of climate change. It's also unethical.

China wants our recycling because it creates jobs. But it makes more environmental sense to recycle locally - and that's where the jobs should be.

Recycling locally:

  • Keeps the resources in this country - increasing the choice of recycled goods.
  • Creates jobs - around 500 jobs per million tonnes of waste. Landfill creates just 40-60 jobs for the equivalent amount.
  • Stimulates better markets for recycling - a ready supply of recycling services is a huge factor in getting new businesses going.

Find out more about our Waste campaign.

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