Port of Shanghai and Illegal Importation of E-Waste - January 2011
Illegal export of approximately 300 tons of e-waste from Japan to the Port of Shanghai, China was uncovered. The waste contained lead, mercury, cadmium, and other toxic substances and was being processed at an unauthorized recycling facility near Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. The recycling process used strong acids, which produced toxic gases and waste liquids, contaminated the surrounding soil and groundwater, and had a serious impact on agriculture and the lives of local residents. Local residents have reported numerous skin and respiratory illnesses, and environmental groups are currently conducting investigations. A follow-up investigation based on international environmental laws is underway, as it has been suspected that some Japanese companies did not comply with waste management standards. Based on the Basel Convention, Japan and China plan to strengthen the monitoring system for illegal imports and exports, and promote proper management and technology sharing of e-w
aste, which amounts to 200,000 tons annually.
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