China · The Thaiger
Nominee-run Chinese recycling plants leaked toxic waste across Thailand
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Since China’s “National Sword” policy took effect in January 2018, banning imports of contaminated plastic and electronic waste, the recycling industry that was once concentrated inside China has scattered across the region. As a result, Thailand has absorbed a large share of it.
Key facts
- policy took effect in January 2018, banning imports of contaminated plastic and electronic waste, the recycling industry that was once concentrated inside China has scattered across the region
- For decades, China took in almost half the world’s recyclable waste
- A pattern investigators say repeats itself
- Thai government data show the country imported more than 1.1 million tonnes of plastic scrap between 2018 and 2021
- Between April 2025 and March 2026, officials impounded 714 suspect containers, including 18 that they seized at Laem Chabang port on March 10 after importers declared the contents as scrap metal and aluminium from the United States and the
- In April 2024, officials found cadmium waste that someone had illegally removed from a landfill in Tak province and traced it to Baud and Beyond Company (formerly Padaeng Industry)
Summary
For decades, China took in almost half the world’s recyclable waste. When it shut its doors, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam became the new destinations.
Thai government data show the country imported more than 1.1 million tonnes of plastic scrap between 2018 and 2021. Over the same period, sorting and e-waste recycling plants multiplied across several provinces.