Waste Not Want Not: Malaysia Moves to Become a Leader in Tackling Plastic Waste
After China issued its plastic waste import ban in January 2018, global plastic waste shipments were quickly rerouted to Southeast Asia, with Malaysia as a top recipient. Like bamboo sprouts after the rain, illegal plastic recycling facilities quickly popped up in Malaysia. To stay under the radar, some operators set up recycling plants and waste dumpsites in oil palm plantations.
In 2019, Malaysian authorities shut down 170 illegal recycling factories in a series of high-profile raids. The government declared the country would not become the new dumping ground for western waste and customs officials started refusing waste imports. In total, some 225 containers filled with plastic waste were returned to 21 countries. However, Malaysian import companies with approved permits continue to bring in plastic waste. While these imports are a hot button issue, they make up a smaller portion of Malaysia’s total plastic waste—the bulk stems from domestic consumption of single-use plastics.