SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The Recycling Association stated that a ban on exports of scrap plastics is unlikely to prevent waste crime. The comment came in response to recent call by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee to introduce a ban on exports of recyclable plastics by 2027 and take adequate measures to control the exports until then. The association warned that imposition of ban would be a huge mistake.

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Simon Ellin, Chief Executive, The Recycling Association said that banning plastic exports to solve waste crime would be like trying to crack a nut with a sledgehammer. Such an action would only have its impact on legitimate recyclers. It will likely have no impact on illegal operators, Ellin added.

The Association noted that the observations by the EFRA Committee are based on data from 2020, with markets witnessing drastic changes after that. The export trade is regulated by stricter rules and regulations, including the revised Basel regulations, which makes it nearly impossible to export substandard materials for recycling. The importing countries too have tighter controls in recent years, the Association noted.

The ban would lead to market distortion, which in turn will result in higher prices. It termed the ban as ‘short-sighted’.