Skip navigation and title
Friends of the Earth

Home > Frequently Asked Questions > All > What's wrong with sending our waste for recycling to China?


Grass

Making life better for people by inspiring solutions to environmental problems



Send this page to a friend

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

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

Find out more about our Waste campaign.

Discuss "What's wrong with sending our waste for recycling to China?" in our forum

 

Contact us | Support us | Copyright © Friends of the Earth Trust/Limited

FAQs

 

Last modified: Feb 2008