Malaysia emerged as a major destination for U.S. waste after China banned U.S. waste imports in 2018.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.zip/post/42447832

Malaysia emerged as a major destination for U.S. waste after China banned U.S. waste imports in 2018.

Archived version: https://archive.is/20250626132109/https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2025-06-26/malaysia-bans-us-plastic-waste-what-will-california-do

Disclaimer: The article linked is from a single source with a single perspective. Make sure to cross-check information against multiple sources to get a comprehensive view on the situation.

  • Cocodapuf@lemmy.world
    43·
    1 day ago

    We may need to find an actual solution to all that plastic.

    But I’m hearing innovative new ideas in that field. One researcher has proposed an interesting solution, it’s called “aluminum cans” it sounds crazy, and who knows if it could possibly work at scale, but it’s a neat idea.

      • Cocodapuf@lemmy.world
        2·
        1 day ago

        Sure, but that plastic lining is a tiny amount of plastic, practically insignificant by mass.

        And sure, glass works too, that’s fine with me. But it’s not simply better. It comes with the downsides of being heavier (requiring more energy to transport), less durable, and requiring more energy to recycle. It’s a trade off.

        Currently, aluminum has the highest rate of recycling of all beverage materials. So why not double down on the most successful packaging type in the history of recycling?

      • KyuubiNoKitsune@lemmy.blahaj.zone
        3·
        1 day ago

        The argument against glass is the weight. It increases CO2 emissions from the transportation.

        Waxed paper and cardboard seem like good options for non liquids.

        I feel like refillable bottles would be amazing for stuff that doesn’t perish.