radioactive-waste
As of January 1, 2021, all non-recyclable plastic waste will stop being shipped to developing countries.
Under new rules set up by the European Union only 'clean plastic waste' - things that can be recycled - can be exported to non-OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries.
The Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius said:"These new rules send a clear message that in the EU we are taking responsibility for the waste we generate. This is an important milestone in fighting plastic pollution, transitioning shifting to a circular economy, and achieving the aims of the European Green Deal."
Europeans generate 25 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. Less than a third of that gets recycled.
Eighty-five percent of litter found on beaches around the world is plastic.
It's hoped that EU countries will improve their sorting and recycling.
Go to video
Paris inaugurates giant water storage basin to clean up the River Seine for Olympic swimming
Go to video
Plastic pollution: what to know from the Ottawa conference
Go to video
EU restricts visa provisions for Ethiopian nationals
01:01
EU to sanction Iran for retaliatory attack on Israel
01:08
Bangladeshi ship seized off Somali coast is freed after more than a month
00:58
Egypt to receive € 1 billion loan from EU