Germany becomes world's largest plastic waste exporter in 2025
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Apr 30
Germany becomes world's largest plastic waste exporter in 2025
11 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Apr 30
It sent more than 810,000 tonnes abroad, while the UK exported over 675,000 tonnes, much of both countries' waste going to Turkey and Malaysia.
Investigations have linked recycling in destination countries to pollution, illegal dumping, burning and labour abuses, with Turkish researchers saying imported waste is worsening severe coastal microplastic contamination.
The EU plans to ban plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries from November 2026, but campaigners warn shipments may shift to Turkey, eastern Europe or even via the UK.
As rich nations ban plastic exports, are they creating new toxic 'sacrifice zones' in different, vulnerable countries?
Is the global debate on recycling a distraction from the real problem: the unstoppable production of new plastic?
New plastic is cheaper than recycled. Can new laws finally force companies to pay for the pollution their packaging creates?