BEIIJIN G: During a plenary session at the Plastics Recycling Conference last week, major exporters opened up about alternative markets, quality improvements, and operational and contractual changes they’ve made in response to China’s import restrictions.
Although some exporters say they’re waiting to see whether China makes more changes before adjusting their operations, others, including the nation’s largest hauler, are moving forward under the assumption China maintains its current course. As of this year, many types of scrap plastic are banned from import into China, and most materials that aren’t banned will be limited to 0.5 percent contamination beginning in March.
“I don’t see China necessarily reversing any of the bans they have in place today, and I think we’re conducting business as though that ban is in place, 0.5 (percent) is in place,” said Brent Bell, vice president of recycling at Waste Management. “And we have to look for, if it’s banned material, for alternative markets, and if it’s not banned material, we have to look to make that kind of quality.”
Recycling leaders from Waste Management, Fosimpe SL and Newport CH International had a broad discussion of the new plastics recycling market during the conference session. They also shared their views on the driving forces behind China’s decision to restrict scrap plastics.
