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In an exclusive report, The Sunday Independent
has revealed that Ireland's policy of exporting untreated
plastic waste from farms has been thrown into jeopardy,
as foreign authorities have begun returning it to Ireland.
At least 130 tons - or six container loads - of contaminated
farm waste from Ireland were impounded in Holland and
are to be sent back here in the coming weeks. |
The containers were filled with untreated farm plastic waste
- which left from Cork - and are to be returned there after
being impounded by authorities in Rotterdam for being contaminated.
In recent months, there have been mounting concerns about
Ireland's shipping of these plastics contaminated with soil,
chemicals and animal faeces overseas for recycling - thereby
significantly increasing the risk of spreading diseases. The
containers were detected on January 6 by customs officials
after a tip-off. The shipment, bound for Hong Kong, was impounded
and the Dutch officials launched an investigation.
The discovery has also drawn attention to the shipments being
made to Asia and The Sunday Independent has learned
that further loads routed through Hong Kong have been impounded
there and are also due to be returned to Ireland.
It is believed the likely fine could be as much as €10,000
per container - plus the cost of treatment of the waste.
Source - The Sunday Independent
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