Brazil ships toxic waste back to the UK

Authorities reported that about 1,500 tonnes of hazardous waste that was shipped from the UK to Brazil has been shipped back by Brazil.

The cargo labelled as recyclable plastic, contained items such as dirty nappies, used syringes, and condoms according to the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources.

The Environment Agency and Wiltshire Police raided three areas in Swindon in July and arrested three men for their part in the illegal shipments who are currently out on bail until the autumn

The Brazilian Institute reported that there were 89 containers sent back from Brazilian ports between February and May of 2009 that contained the waste products under the label of recyclable plastic.
Upon discovery the contents were sent back to the UK to be investigated by the Environment Agency before safe disposal of the medical and domestic waste is completed.

Shipments of toxic waste are banned under the Basel Convention and Brazil has stated they will lodge a complaint with the World Trade Organization.

Those implicated face a serious penalty if found guilty of one to two years in jail.