Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
| Subscribe to Newser's RSS feeds RSS | Follow Newser on Twitter Twitter


11

UK Slammed for Dumping Toxic Waste in Developing World

Share

(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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

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

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
OFF THE GRID
11.24.09
Murdoch and Microsoft: The Mice Are Trying to Roar
11.23.09
Books Are Bad for You
11 comments
VIEWING:
 
riffran
Jul 18, 09 8:46 AM CDT
nice :( Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+1
arobins10
Jul 18, 09 9:00 AM CDT
The Untied States does the same thing! The first world pays the third world to shut up and take their trash. Nice isn't it?! Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+1
riffran
Jul 18, 09 9:09 AM CDT
maybe I should have added *sarcasm* next to the frown face...I wasnt meaning anything positive about the dumping....... Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0
IN RESPONSE:
kokuaguy
Jul 18, 09 9:05 PM CDT
Those who know and love you know that very well riff-- ;^)
Vote up! Vote down!
0
djferrick
Jul 18, 09 9:21 AM CDT
i live in a house with three other ppl and although they will fill up the recycling bin and put their empty beer cans and wine bottles around it on the floor none of them will walk the 30 seconds required to empty the bin into the recyling container 2 doors down from the house. Think globally - act locally Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
0

View all 11 comments »

LEAVE A
COMMENT Comment Policy
Facebook ConnectPost this comment to Facebook?

After connecting you will have the option to post your comment on your Facebook profile.

 

Related Newser Stories

3 Stories

Oil Giant Tries to Settle Biggest- Ever UK Lawsuit

Trafigura offers deal
to Africans sickened
by toxic sludge

Sep 17, 09 8:49 AM CDT
(Newser) - A British multinational has offered a multimillion-dollar payout to settle a case involving toxic pollution in the Ivory Coast, the Independent reports. A contractor working for oil trading firm Trafigura dumped hundreds of tons of toxic sludge around Abidjan in 2006, sickening tens of thousands. Some were permanently disfigured, and... More »

MORE ABOUT:
Africa • lawsuit • toxic waste • Britain • oil companies • Ivory Coast • Trafigura • Abidjan

 Britons: New Trash 
 Laws Are Rubbish 

Controversial UK measures get tough on waste

Jun 27, 08 4:32 AM CDT
(Newser) - In the midst of a garbage overload, the UK is cracking down on trash with strict new rules, sparking a backlash among Britons, the New York Times reports. Many areas now pick up trash only biweekly, and accept only regulation amounts. Some reject recycling bins tainted with garbage. In response,... More »

MORE ABOUT:
environment • recycling • trash • garbage • Britain

UK Teens Guilty of Cocaine Smuggling in Ghana

16-year-olds may spend three years in detention

Nov 21, 07 5:05 PM CST
(Newser) - Two 16-year-olds were found guilty today of attempting to sneak $600,000 of cocaine from Ghana to Britain, the Times reports. The conviction could mean up to three years in a Ghanaian juvenile detention center for the British girls, who claimed they had been set up when they were arrested... More »

MORE ABOUT:
United Kingdom • cocaine • smuggler • Britain • Ghana • teenager

3 Stories


World  •  Science & Health 
TwitterFollow @NewserWorld on Twitter

 
Brazil • garbage • toxic waste • Britain • Ghana

from our news partners

Associated PressAssociated Press