African Environmental Youth Advisory

The Toxic Transactions of The Global Waste Trade

BY NYASAINA KWAMBOKA | AUGUST 21, 2023

Amani, peace.

An alarming reality about our planet's approach to waste management is the global waste trade, also known as the transfrontier shipment of waste. Despite the widespread adoption of recycling initiatives, a mere 9% of the world's waste is recycled.

Sadly, and unsurprisingly, 90% of the waste produced in affluent countries is shipped off to burden marginalized groups in less prosperous nations. Where it is often illegally dumped, incinerated, or left to languish in landfills. This phenomenon is not just an environmental issue; it's a manifestation of Waste Colonialism, a practice where affluent economies export their waste to poorer economies for convenience. In this article, we will explore the complications of this problem, examine the environmental consequences, and explore the lack of awareness surrounding this major environmental justice issue.

"Sadly, and unsurprisingly, 90% of the waste produced in affluent countries is shipped off to burden marginalized groups in less prosperous nations,"

I have always felt that the recycling symbol ♻️ on bins often provides a false sense of accomplishment. Waste companies in privileged countries dump their waste in countries with less financial flexibility truth is, the majority of waste sent to recyclers does not go on to enjoy a second life as an environmentally fancy pair of Nike shoes or carpet. Instead, it embarks on a journey across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans to the Global South, creating even more massive environmental and social problems. Plastic, textile, and electronic waste find their way to the backyards of marginalized communities, causing flash floods due to clogged sewers, health issues caused by inhaling polluted air, accelerated carbon emissions due to mismanaged waste, and waterborne illnesses affecting communities at the fringes of society. This revelation challenges the legitimacy of the Global North's recycling efforts. It raises questions about the effectiveness and ethics of current waste management systems, including the Basel Convention on Trans Boundary Waste.

The impact of the global waste trade is felt most profoundly by the marginalized communities in the global south. People and animals are plagued with severe health problems in Africa, where strict environmental regulations are lacking. This dire environmental justice issue needs a solution as soon as possible!

"Hey, Global North, wake up! African countries aren't your dumping grounds, but guess what? Your trash is piling up in our backyard."

Waste Colonialism was coined in 1989 by a working group at the United Nations Environmental Programme Basel Convention working group. WASTE COLONIALISM occurs when affluent nations dominate by offloading their waste burden to economically disadvantaged countries. As highlighted by Ayandastood, it embodies "the colonial ideology where the colonizer believes that they are the subject and everyone else is an object for him to dominate and project their dreams and nightmares onto the world." From single-use plastics and electronics to food waste and fast fashion—the practice of exporting or shipping wastes creates major environmental and health problems. Improper disposal of this waste — dumped, burned, or landfilled — poisons the air, our water systems, and soil, with an immediate threat to human health.

By allowing this to happen, you are endorsing a world with environmental injustice and allowing marginalized groups to suffer from your environmental neglect.

When you see pictures of dirty messes, plastic pollution, and environmental disorders, it is easy for you to look away when you feel that the issue does not involve you. However, there should be an international moral and ethical code that if you cannot recycle your waste, you should not be generating it in the first place. In the more affluent parts of the world, there is a reckless reliance on plastic for even the most minor items, like wrapping a single cabbage or avocado. The excessive consumption and disposal of electronics in these regions result in tons of waste being shipped off for "recycling" to countries that lack basic needs like consistent running water. How will they even be able to recycle your waste? By allowing this to happen, you are endorsing a world with environmental injustice and allowing marginalized groups to suffer from your environmental neglect. This flawed waste management system accelerates climate change as much waste is usually just burned, leading to more carbon emissions.

I am writing this not to blame anyone but to admit to ourselves that we failed miserably when it comes to enforcing garbage regulations and a global perspective on waste. Governments and communities must prioritize stability, order, and environmental protection for marginalized communities within their borders. The global north needs to take more accountability and be more aware of what happens with their waste. The Basel Convention on transboundary waste must be revised and corrected to accommodate environmental justice.

However, even though well-intentioned recycling is linked to environmental justice problems, many people do not realize that there is a lack of accountability for waste management in the global north and south. We must work collaboratively, locally, nationally, and internationally, to establish comprehensive environmental regulations that raise awareness and prevent this unsustainable practice. It is time for the world to take bold action — before it is too late, and before we leave an even greater inheritance of tears, heartbreak, and environmental destruction.

Shukrani - thank you

Nyasaina Kwamboka is an Environmental Economist and the Founder of the African Environmental Youth Advisory. She advocates for interdisciplinary environmental education rooted in Indigenous knowledge, intersectional participation, and global collaboration. Her goal is to build a dynamic, accessible database of environmental knowledge to inform better policy and drive intentional climate finance for adaptation.

To connect, add her on LinkedIn

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