EU nations reach major breakthrough to stop shipping plastic waste to poor countries

BRUSSELS — The European Union made a major breakthrough Friday in efforts to stop sending its plastic trash to poor countries. Under a tentative agreement, the 27 EU countries will no longer be able to export their plastic waste outside the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development club of wealthy countries. “The EU will finally assume responsibility for its plastic waste by banning its export to non-OECD countries,” said Pernille Weiss, the EU Parliament rapporteur. “Once again, we follow our vision that waste is a resource when it is properly managed, but should not in any case be causing harm to the environment or human health.” In addition, plastic waste exports to the 38 OECD countries “will be subject to stricter conditions, including an obligation to apply the prior written notification and consent procedure, and closer compliance monitoring,” the Parliament said. After a period of five years following the introduction of the regulation, non-OECD countries will have the option to ask the EU Commission — the bloc’s executive arm — for the right to import plastic waste and the ban will be lifted if they prove they can treat it properly.