UK Plastic Waste Exports to developing countries have surged by 84% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, raising alarm among environmental campaigners. Much of this waste is now being sent to Malaysia and Indonesia, with critics labeling this phenomenon as “unethical and irresponsible waste imperialism.” As the UK continues to face scrutiny for its waste management practices, the European Union has taken steps to ban such exports, leaving the UK without similar regulations.

Increase in Exports Exposed

An analysis of trade data conducted for the Guardian by the Last Beach Cleanup, an organization dedicated to combating plastic pollution, revealed significant spikes in UK plastic waste exports. In 2025, the volume of plastic waste shipped to Indonesia rose dramatically from just 525 tonnes in 2024 to a staggering 24,006 tonnes. Malaysia also saw a considerable increase, with exports jumping from 18,872 tonnes in the previous year to 28,667 tonnes in 2025.

Overall, the total plastic waste exported from the UK remained alarmingly high, amounting to 319,407 tonnes in the first half of 2024 and 317,647 tonnes in the first half of 2025. Notably, the proportion of this waste sent to non-OECD countries has surged dramatically—as of 2025, 20% of the UK’s total plastic waste exports were directed to these nations, up from 11% in 2024.

Criticism of UK Policy

Jan Dell, a representative from the Last Beach Cleanup, criticized UK ministers for what she described as “hypocrisy.” While Britain portrays itself as part of a progressive alliance seeking to address plastic pollution globally, Dell argues that behind the scenes, the government fails to set a timeline for ending exports of plastic waste to poorer countries. “The UK is hypocritically saying, ‘we’re part of the high ambition coalition’ at the plastics talks,” she stated, highlighting the contradiction in the country’s policies.

Campaigners are calling for action, urging the UK government to align its practices with newly established EU rules, which will prohibit waste exports to non-OECD nations starting in November 2026. The ban may extend beyond its initial two-and-a-half-year implementation period. Current discussions among UK officials about future export bans remain stagnant, even after the failure of UN plastic treaty talks in August, which left many advocates feeling disillusioned.

Government’s Response

Emma Hardy, the under-secretary of state at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), expressed disappointment over the lack of a global agreement on plastic waste management but maintained pride in the UK’s efforts toward creating an ambitious treaty. Britain has been part of a coalition advocating for legislation that mandates reductions in plastic production and consumption.

Despite these claims, critics point out that the UK remains one of the top three countries exporting plastic waste globally, sending out approximately 600,000 tonnes annually. Campaigners insist that the UK must mirror the EU’s policies and enact a full ban on plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries, claiming a current loophole inadvertently incentivizes exportation over domestic recycling.

Waste Trade Dynamics

Wong Pui Yi, a consultant for the Basel Action Network based in Malaysia, explained that the plastic waste trade often sees “good guys and bad guys.” Waste traders typically aim to minimize costs, and in countries with weaker environmental regulations, it is easier for unscrupulous operators to bypass necessary controls. The result is that developing countries bear the brunt of environmental damage while the UK offloads its waste.

In July 2025, plastic waste exports to Malaysia decreased to 1,500 tonnes, or 2.8% of total exports, due to newly implemented import restrictions by Malaysia. However, as countries tighten their regulations—such as China did in 2018—waste shipments often shift to other nations.

Experts believe that the reported increase in UK plastic waste exports to Asia may still be underestimated. A significant volume is believed to be routed through European countries like the Netherlands before being sent on to final destinations. The UK also exports plastic waste to Turkey, where conditions in the recycling industry have raised serious concerns.

VN Plastic Co., Ltd is one of Vietnam’s leading manufacturers of plastic packaging products. We specialize in producing high-quality supermarket bags (T-shirt bags), roll bags, household trash bags, food-grade packaging, and stretch film for pallet wrapping — all serving the retail, consumer, foodservice, and logistics sectors. With a strong commitment to sustainable development and long-term partnerships, VN Plastic continuously invests in advanced technologies and optimizes our operations to meet the growing demands of global markets.