BAN Warns of an Increase in Illegal E-waste Exports from the US to Malaysia→

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Source: https://conta.cc/3vriHWf

Author: Basel Action Network

Seattle. March 28, 2024. The waste trade watchdog Basel Action Network (BAN), which takes its name from the global Basel Convention on the Control of the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, is warning of what appears to be another wave of illegal e-waste trafficking that is now finding its way to Malaysia. Investigations by BAN reveal a pathway of e-wastes from across the United States being exported primarily out of the port of Los Angeles on container ships to Malaysia. BAN has recently warned authorities in Malaysia of specific incoming shipments following a recent spate of raids in Malaysia, shutting down clandestine and illegal e-waste dismantling operations. It is illegal for Malaysia to receive any hazardous electronic waste from the US or other developed countries.

Image: Satellite view of one of the recently raided e-waste facilities in Malaysia. (Imagery ©2024 Maxar Technologies, Map data: ©2024 Google)

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Thailand Ratifies Global Agreement to End Toxic Waste Trade to Developing Countries→

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Source: https://conta.cc/3PgBATp

June 7, 2023. Today, Thailand joins 102 other countries in their ratification of the Ban Amendment to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal. The Amendment bans export of hazardous wastes of all kinds from developed countries (OECD, EU, and Liechtenstein) to developing countries. Thailand's ratification makes it clear that imports of such hazardous waste shall no longer be tolerated, while sending a strong and unequivocal message that Thailand will not tolerate any imports of hazardous waste from developed countries.

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Americans’ Old Car Batteries Are Making Mexican Workers Sick→

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/20/world/americas/car-batteries-lead-mexico.html

Author: Steve Fisher

After returning home from his job at a car battery recycling plant in northern Mexico one evening in 2019, Azael Mateo González Ramírez said he felt dizzy, his bones ‌ach‌ed and his throat was raspy. Then came ‌stomach pain, he said, followed by bouts of diarrhea. The plant in Monterrey where he worked handled used car batteries, many from the United States, extracting lead as part of the process. Mr. González, 39, stacked the batteries, he said, near large containers of lead dust.

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