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UK Slammed for Dumping Toxic Waste in Developing World

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 18, 2009 7:31 AM CDT

(Newser) – Britain is accused of flouting international law by dumping toxic industrial and medical waste in Brazil and Ghana, the Times of London reports. Brazilian authorities were outraged to find over 1,000 tons of hazardous waste in 90 shipping containers labeled as holding recyclable plastic. "It is disgraceful that this cargo was shipped from England," one officials says, "and we are adamant that it be returned."

Brazil plans to take legal action against the companies involved. Toxic British waste has also been found in Ghana, where discarded computers from the UK's Ministry of Defense were discovered in a dump where children dismantle electric waste for parts, exposing themselves to toxic chemicals. Britain's environment secretary plans to investigate the dumping and beef up enforcement of rules banning the export of electronic waste.

Discarded British government computer have been discovered in dumps in Africa, despite European directives prohibiting the export of electrical waste.
Discarded British government computer have been discovered in dumps in Africa, despite European directives prohibiting the export of electrical waste.   (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi)
The British government is considering tightening its rules on the export of hazardous waste.
The British government is considering tightening its rules on the export of hazardous waste.   (AP Photo/Karel Prinsloo)
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We will ask for the repatriation of this garbage. Clearly, Brazil is not a big rubbish dump of the world. - Roberto Messias, president of Brazil's environmental agency

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Mr.C
Jul 19, 2009 12:12 PM CDT
haha lovely comment Fondue
matteo
Jul 19, 2009 8:18 AM CDT
the point is not to find a way where to throw it but to produce better products that last longer and waste less, also if countries were so adamant to do something about it, why not be as aggressive against these crimes as with drug dealing.....this is far worse !
kokuaguy
Jul 19, 2009 2:05 AM CDT
Those who know and love you know that very well riff-- ;^)

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