(MENAFN) The Thai government will ban imports of electronic and plastic waste after reports of massive piles of scrap electronics showing up in the country, potentially turning it into the "world's garbage bin".
Natural Resources and Environment Minister said: "We need to prioritize good environment and the health of our citizens over industrial development."
The minister's remarks came after local media reported in late May on e-waste - much of which contains potentially harmful elements such as lead and cadmium - turning up in the country from many parts of the world, including the US, the EU, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.
Most of the new e-waste was imported illegally, as Thai factories saw a new way of making profits after China stopped accepting 24 types of foreign waste last year, including from Australia.
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