Malaysia returns ‘illegal’ plastic waste to U.S., U.K.

Malaysia has returned 100 shipping containers filled with contaminated plastic waste to their countries of origin, including France, the UK, the USA, and Canada. Malaysia plans to return more containers by mid-2020. The countries and shipping companies involved will bear the costs. Exporting recyclable waste is common to reduce landfill and meet recycling targets.

What are the responsibilities of the shipping companies and countries regarding the returned containers?

Why do many countries export recyclable waste abroad?