ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to explore the modi operandi of operators who ship waste illegally to China and how to better prevent these practices. It describes the regulatory framework for waste shipments from the EU to third countries and China in particular, as well as the different agencies involved. The chapter presents an overview of the cases and describes the modi operandi of waste traffickers. It presents an overview of the problems enforcement agencies experience in tackling waste trafficking and address initiatives that have been taken to improve enforcement and cross-border cooperation. The chapter explores the difficulties experienced by enforcement agencies responsible for tackling illicit trans-frontier shipments of waste. Unintentional contamination of green-listed waste with hazardous waste is an important problem. Paper waste, inevitably contains some metal in the form of staples and plastic from binders. Recyclable waste is also sorted from household waste and may be polluted with hazardous waste and with other banned substances such as animal waste products.
