China bans solid waste imports as of next year

China will impose a complete ban on the import of solid waste from next year, as it intensifies efforts to recycle more domestic waste and promote green development.

The Ministry of Ecology and Environment will no longer accept applications for the import of any restricted solid wastes as raw material, according to a guideline released by the ministry and three central government bodies, including the General Administration of Customs.

The ministry said on Friday, import approvals that companies receive this year will be invalid if they fail to import approved material before end of the year.