The Issue of Illegal E-Waste Imports and the Current Situation in the 2020s – Shanghai Port and Guangdong Province

The Issue of Illegal E-Waste Imports and the Current Situation in the 2020s – Shanghai Port and Guangdong Province

### 2011: The Discovery of Illegal E-Waste Imports
In 2011, the illegal export of approximately 300 tons of electronic waste from Japan to the Port of Shanghai, China, was uncovered. This waste contained hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, and was being processed at unlicensed recycling facilities near Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. Strong acids were used in the recycling process, generating toxic gases and waste liquids that contaminated the soil and groundwater. This had a severe impact on agriculture and the lives of local residents. Local residents have reported a surge in skin and respiratory diseases, prompting environmental protection groups to launch investigations. Suspicions arose that some Japanese companies had failed to comply with waste management standards, leading to follow-up investigations based on international environmental law. In response to this issue, Japan and China announced plans to strengthen monitoring systems for illegal imports and exports based on the Basel Convention and t
o promote proper waste disposal.

### The 2020s: Persistent Problems and New Initiatives
Even in the 2020s, the improper disposal of electronic waste remains a serious challenge. The volume of e-waste imported into China via the Port of Shanghai is estimated to reach 400,000 tons annually, with 60% of it processed in Guangdong Province. This waste contains hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium. A 2023 survey identified multiple areas around Guangzhou where soil contamination levels exceeded safety standards by more than double.

On the other hand, major recycling companies such as China Iron and Steel Recycling and the multinational Hewlett-Packard (HP) have introduced sustainable processing technologies. HP launched its "Closed-Loop Recycling Program" in 2021 and established a facility in Guangdong Province capable of safely processing 50,000 tons of waste annually.

Monitoring and regulations under the Basel Convention have also been strengthened, resulting in a 40% decrease in the number of illegal import and export cases detected in the late 2020s compared to 2015. However, areas with insufficient oversight still exist, and the illegal disposal of e-waste remains a hidden problem. Going forward, the introduction of waste traceability systems utilizing AI and IoT is expected to visualize waste flows and eradicate illegal disposal.

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As described above, while improvements in the e-waste issue have been made since the crackdown in 2011, many challenges remain even in the 2020s. It is essential to reflect on the past and strengthen future initiatives.