Plastic waste imports to be curbed

Thailand generates about 2 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which only about a quarter is recycled, according to the government. (Photo: Less Plastic Thailand)

Thailand has begun restricting plastic waste imports and will ban scrap shipments of the material starting in 2025, the government said in a statement on Tuesday.

The decision approved by the cabinet comes as officials seek to halt a flood of waste from rich countries that has affected the health of citizens and polluted the country’s air and water.