Initiatives
In 2017 and 2018, the Chinese government implemented a series of waste import restrictions limiting or banning a variety of recyclable material that had previously been accepted for processing. The restriction of the flow of materials has created new challenges throughout the supply chain of scrap—residents, solid waste departments, material recovery facilities (MRFs), processors, end users and beyond. This webpage provides an overview of these challenges and provides updates on SWANA’s efforts to help support North American recycling through this transition.
Listen to SWANA CEO & Executive Director David Biderman’s interview with Megan Chakrabarti on NPR’S On Point on March 14, 2019.
SWANA Applauds Passage of Save our Seas 2.0 Act
December 02, 2020
SWANA Provides Update on Impact of China's Waste Import Restrictions on Recycling Programs
June 13, 2018
SWANA Urges China to Delay Implementation of Import Restrictions
December 15, 2017
SWANA Provides Update to States on Chinese Recycling Issue
October 11, 2017
SWANA Submits Comments Expressing Concerns on China Waste Ban
September 05, 2017