During a recent briefing, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) reported significant progress in combating illegal hazardous waste activities. The rise in cases of illegal disposal and transfer of hazardous waste has been effectively curbed.

**Slowing the Surge of Illegal Hazardous Waste Disposal**

Guo Yijun, Director of the MEE’s Solid Waste and Chemicals Management Department, stated that since 2020, a series of intensified special operations have targeted hazardous waste environmental violations. By mid-2023, ecological departments across the country had handled over 17,000 administrative penalty cases related to hazardous waste, with 4,215 cases referred to law enforcement for suspected criminal activity.

By the end of 2023, China’s centralized hazardous waste disposal capacity is expected to reach approximately 210 million tons per year, a 50% increase since 2020. This year, the nation is projected to generate around 120 million tons of hazardous waste, with disposal capabilities aligning with the waste output. Furthermore, the capacity for medical waste disposal has increased by nearly 80% compared to pre-pandemic levels, now reaching 2.86 million tons annually.

**Enhancing Regulations to Address New Solid Waste Challenges**

As China’s new energy sector rapidly evolves, there has been growing concern regarding the disposal of retired electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, and wind turbine blades—collectively referred to as the “three new types” of solid waste.

MEE officials explained that the department is actively developing relevant technical guidelines and tightening environmental oversight. They have initiated comprehensive regulatory documents, such as the “Pollution Prevention Technical Policy for Waste Batteries” and “Technical Guidelines for Pollution Control in Disposal of Waste Lithium-ion Batteries.” However, currently, there are no established pollution control standards for waste photovoltaic components and wind turbine blades.

Guo Yijun emphasized that the ministry is not only expediting the creation of pertinent pollution control standards but is also instructing local governments to enhance environmental oversight based on local conditions. They are encouraging provinces like Jiangsu, Hebei, and Qinghai to explore local standards for the management of waste photovoltaic components and wind turbine blades, thereby promoting their recycling or safe disposal and mitigating environmental risks.

**Effective Supervision of Electronic Waste Management**

As a leading producer and consumer of electronic products, improper disposal of such items can lead to resource wastage and severe environmental pollution. The MEE has taken proactive steps in regulating the handling of discarded electronic devices, achieving notable results.

Guo Yijun noted that the MEE has promptly established a comprehensive regulatory scheme aimed at monitoring the recycling and disposal of discarded equipment within the country. This scheme emphasizes targeting illegal disassembly practices that can harm the environment.

Between 2012 and 2023, over 900 million televisions, washing machines, refrigerators, air conditioners, and computers have been processed by licensed companies, resulting in approximately 21 million tons of recovered materials such as plastics, metals, and alloys being responsibly managed or repurposed.

The MEE is also working with relevant authorities to boost the recycling system for old mobile phones and intensifying its oversight of illegal electronic waste disassembly practices.