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Step-by-step explanation:
China used to be the world's largest importer of recyclable materials, taking in around 70% of the world's plastic waste alone. This was because other countries found it cheaper to send their waste to China rather than recycling it themselves. However, China's recycling practices have caused a number of problems.
One major issue is that China has been overwhelmed by the sheer amount of waste it has been receiving, resulting in many landfills and processing facilities becoming filled to capacity. This has led to environmental problems, such as water and air pollution, as well as health risks to workers in the recycling industry.
Another problem is that not all of the waste that
was being sent to China was actually recyclable. Contaminated materials, such as dirty or mixed plastics, were often sent, which made it difficult for China to effectively process the waste. This, in turn, led to a build-up of waste in the country, as well as an increase in illegal dumping.
In response to these issues, China implemented stricter regulations on the importation of waste, which has significantly reduced the amount of waste it is now accepting. As a result, other countries have had to find alternative ways to deal with their waste, including increasing their own recycling capacity or finding new export destinations.
Overall, China's recycling practices have highlighted the need for more responsible waste management practices globally and the development of more sustainable and circular economies.
Answered By Unish ©
Verified Answer ✅