In a significant move, the European Union (EU) has recently reached an accord to cease the export of plastic waste to non-OECD countries. The decision, scheduled to come into force from mid-2026, reflects the EU's commitment to addressing the environmental repercussions of its plastic waste.

This development coincides with ongoing diplomatic discussions in Nairobi, Kenya, where global leaders are deliberating the establishment of a comprehensive international treaty on plastic pollution. The EU's decision to curtail plastic waste exports is poised to set a precedent for responsible waste management on the global stage.

Formal approval by the European Council and Parliament is pending for the newly agreed-upon rules. These regulations introduce stringent controls on plastic waste exports to affluent nations and completely prohibit exports to non-OECD countries. The ban on exporting plastic waste to non-OECD nations is slated to endure for a five-year period. Following this timeframe, countries desiring to import EU plastic waste can petition the commission to lift the ban, provided they demonstrate responsible waste treatment practices.

Environmental campaigners have long voiced apprehensions regarding the fate of plastic waste sent overseas for recycling, expressing concerns that it often finds its way into landfills and water bodies.

Lauren Weir from the Environmental Investigation Agency acknowledges the positive trajectory set by the EU's decision but underscores the necessity for a comprehensive ban on plastic waste. She views the move as a promising indication of the EU's commitment to addressing the global plastic pollution crisis.

However, the regulations do allow for the export of specific forms of non-plastic waste to non-OECD countries if they meet stringent social and environmental criteria. This has raised concerns among researchers like Sedat Gündoğdu, who cautions that the legislation might result in an uptick in waste being shipped to OECD countries such as Turkey.