Ban on solid waste imports extended

China will ban the import of 32 types of solid waste, as part of its latest move to reduce environmental pollution, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said on Thursday.

The ban on 16 types of solid waste, including scrap cars and boats, will take effect on Dec 31. Another 16 types of waste material, including stainless steel and wood, will be banned starting at the end of next year, the ministry said.

Since the 1980s, China has imported solid waste - including paper, plastic and scrap metal - as raw materials to make up for the domestic shortage of resources, and has for years been the world's largest importer of recyclable materials, which posed a danger to the environment and public health.