The toxic trash was sent to Brazil in 89 shipping containers earlier this year, incorrectly labeled as recyclable plastic. The containers held domestic and hospital waste, including batteries, used syringes, condoms, old medicine and soiled diapers. Officials said 71 of the containers have arrived at the port of Felixstowe, 96 miles (155 kilometers) east of London. The rest will return later. The Environment Agency has launched an investigation into the shipment, and will fumigate the containers before studying their contents. The agency said the waste would then be dealt with by an authorized contractor. Three men were arrested in Swindon, 100 miles (160 kilometers) west of London, last month in connection with the case. Wiltshire Police said the men have not yet been charged, and have been released on bail until October. Andrew Higham, head of the Environment Agency’s crime unit, said Britain has pledged to stamp out illegal waste trade. It is illegal to export waste for disposal, but it can be sent abroad for recycling. The maximum penalty for exporting waste illegally is an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.
21 August 2009
Friday, 21 August 2009
Toxic waste exported to Brazil returns to Britain
(AP)
LONDON - Containers of hazardous waste exported to Brazil arrived back at a British port Friday, the Environment Agency said
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