15% to 30% of waste shipments from the EU are illegal. The amount of plastic waste imported from the EU rose by 35% last year compared to 2022, according to Eurostat data.

Nature and Environment Malaysia

Malaysia struggles to halt European plastic waste imports

David Hutt

22 hours ago

Despite pledges to curb plastic waste imports, Malaysia remains one of Europe's top dumping grounds. Will the EU's upcoming export ban make a difference?

https://p.dw.com/p/4mONg

The European Commission estimates that 15% to 30% of waste shipments from the EU are illegal, highlighting the need for better enforcementImage: picture-alliance/AA/A. Ghazali

Malaysia remains the world's second-largest importer of plastic waste from the EU despite government pledges to prevent the country from becoming a global dumping ground.

The amount of plastic waste imported from the EU rose by 35% last year compared to 2022, according to Eurostat data.

The EU exported 8.5 million tons of paper, plastic and glass in 2023, with more than one-fifth destined for Malaysia's dumps.

Indonesia and Vietnam were also large importers of Europe's waste. 

While around 90% of Europe's waste is treated locally, exports have surged by 72% since 2004, according to figures

from the European Commission.