China’s Waste Ban – Boon or Bane? Green Drinks April Forum

Out of sight, out of mind.
This is the attitude most people have with regards to waste. However, the reality is, the lifespan of waste extends much further than after we toss it.

China is very well aware of this. In the past 20 years, China has taken in more than 50% of the world’s waste – mainly from the UK, US, and EU. However, more recently, China has taken introduced a ban on 24 kinds of solid waste including unsorted paper and textile materials. The dependence on China for waste disposal and recycling has left most countries without the infrastructure to deal with the waste it produces. In the UK, this means only 50-55% of waste is able to be treated.

In an ideal world, shouldn’t those who produce the waste also deal with it, rather than pass on the dirty work elsewhere?

The shocking numbers driven by China’s waste ban is driving stronger strategies in countries who had previously been able to sweep their trash under the rug. However, the real opportunity is the recognition of how much waste is produced. China’s waste ban means countries need to be proactive instead of reactive with waste. It can also inspire the implementation of similar bans in other developing countries, who are likely to become the new destination for the waste, while also encouraging innovation in waste reduction strategies and recycling technologies.

Join us for our 108th Green Drinks monthly forum, in collaboration with Collective Responsibility, where we will look to understand the implication of waste ban on countries, why this may be a positive step for China and for other countries, opportunities, challenges and innovations.

Event Itinerary:

• 18:30-19:15 Registrations and networking
• 19:15-20:15 Speaker presentations
• 20:15-20:45 Panel discussion / Q&A
• 20:45-21:15 Networking / end of event

Speakers:

Siyi Mi, Analyst, Collective Responsibility
Background: Siyi Mi is an Analyst at Collective Responsibility. She carries out research and analysis, helping corporate clients with the development and execution of strategic projects under China’s changing social and economic landscape. Her areas of focus include waste management, urban development, environment and energy. Prior to joining Collective Responsibility, Siyi was a researcher for the China Environment Forum at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. She has experience consulting for governments, businesses, NGOs, and international organizations on various sustainability projects in China and the United States.Siyi received her B.Eng. in Renewable Science and Technology from Xi’an Jiaotong University and a Master’s degree in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin.