The Legal dilemmas and pathways for managing plastic waste pollution in China: An assessment of current regulations and a vision for future governance frameworks

Tengfei Wang ,Hanim Kamaruddin ,Hazlina Binti Shaik MD Noor Alam

doi:10.24294/jipd9769

Home - JIPD - Volume 8 - Issue 14

Submit to JIPD

Journal Browser

Volume | Year

Issue

• Current lssue

View All

News and Announcements

View All

The Legal dilemmas and pathways for managing plastic waste pollution in China: An assessment of current regulations and a vision for future governance frameworks

Tengfei Wang

Hanim Kamaruddin

Hazlina Binti Shaik MD Noor Alam

Journal of Infrastructure Policy and Development 2024, 8(14), 9769; https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd9769

Submitted：21 Oct 2024

Accepted：01 Nov 2024

Published：26 Nov 2024

Download PDF(590.84KB)

XML

Abstract

This paper aims to systematically analyze the current state of plastic waste legal supervision in China and to propose a vision for future governance frameworks. In recent years, along with the vigorous rise of emerging industries such as the express delivery industry and takeaway services, the consumption of plastic products has increased sharply. This trend has triggered profound reflection and high vigilance on the issue of plastic waste supervision. This trend has triggered profound reflection and acute vigilance regarding the regulation of plastic waste. Although the Chinese government has initiated multiple regulatory measures and achieved certain outcomes, from a macroscopic perspective, the issue of plastic waste pollution remains grave, and the relevant legal and regulatory system presents a complex situation with limited enforcement efficacy. Hence, it is exceptionally urgent and significant to deeply explore and formulate legislative strategies aimed at alleviating and regulating plastic waste pollution. This paper is dedicated to systematically analyzing the current state of plastic waste legal supervision from both international and domestic dimensions, and meticulously outlining the regulatory framework for plastic waste governance in China. Through the application of legal norm research methods, this paper dissects the flaws and challenges existing in the current governance mechanisms and further conducts a comparative study of the successful practices in this field in developed countries like the United States, with the intention of drawing valuable experiences. On this basis, this paper not only offers a forward-looking outlook on China’s future legislative tendencies in plastic waste pollution but also innovatively proposes a series of new insights and recommendations. These explorations aim to provide a more solid theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the governance approach to plastic waste pollution in China, promote the improvement and enhancement of the enforcement effectiveness of environmental regulations, and thereby effectively confront the global challenge of plastic pollution.

Keywords

References

BCRC China. (2023). The development of the Basel Convention and China’s implementation practices. Retrieved from https://www.bcrc.cn/col/1256348985496/2023/06/25/1687684590662.html

Campbell, J. L., Hollingsworth, J. R., & Lindberg, L. N. (Eds.). (1991). Governance of the American Economy. Cambridge University Press.

Cao, X. Y. (2022). Problems and countermeasures in the implementation of the plastic restriction order. Journal of Liaoning Teachers College (Social Sciences Edition), (3), 6.

Chen, H. L., Nath, T. K., Chong, S., Foo, V., Gibbins, C., & Lechner, A. M. (2021). The plastic waste problem in Malaysia: management, recycling and disposal of local and global plastic waste. SN Applied Sciences, 3, 1-15.

Chen, H., Xie, Y., Wang, M. L., Jiang, C., & Wei, Y. J. (2021). Tracking the implementation of the plastic ban: Farmers’ markets continue to use plastic as alternative products are not cost-effective. Economic Information Daily. Retrieved from https://jingji.cctv.com/2021/02/18/ARTIgtXhb6Ph58O1JommDXIG210218.shtml

China Plastics Processing Industry Association (2023), “Economic Operation Analysis of China’s Plastics Processing Industry in the First Half of 2023,” available at https://www.sohu.com/a/732855275_120903548

ChinaIRN.com, (2023), China uses about 3 billion plastic bags every day, an analysis of the development trend of the plastic bag industry, https://www.chinairn.com/news/20231116/17555571.shtml.

Chinese Journal of Food. (2020). China’s takeaway market exceeds 650 billion yuan, covering 460 million consumers. Chinese Journal of Food, 20(8), 153.

Earth.ORG. (2021). 15 Plastic Pollution Quotes to Inspire You to Go Waste Free. Earth.ORG. source from: https://earth.org/plastic-pollution-quotes/

Economic Daily. (2021). Efforts across the entire chain to control plastic pollution. Retrieved from https://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2021-09/27/content_5639506.htm

Feng, X. Y. (2013). Rules and Prosperity. Beijing: Zhongxing Publishing House, p. 70.

Fletcher, S., March, A. L. A., Roberts, K., Shirian, Y., i Canals, L. M., Cairns, A., ... & Bass, A. (2023). Turning off the Tap: How the world can end plastic pollution and create a circular economy.

Guo, P. F. (2023). Study on the impact of agricultural plastic film on soil environment. Henan Agriculture, (19), 9.

Hackett, D. P. (1989). Assessment of the basel convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal. Am. UJ Int’l L. & Pol’y, 5, 291.

High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. (2022). Enforcement of the Plastic Resource Circulation Act - Transformations in Action. Retrieved from https://action.oceanpanel.org/

http://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-01/20/content_5479871.htm:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.

Hu, X., Zhou, Z.F., & Ren, J. (2001). Research on comprehensive prevention and control strategies for “white pollution”. Environmental Protection Science, 27(2), 23-25.

Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries. (2023). ISRI Celebrates America Recycles Day by Highlighting the Recycling Materials Industry’s Role in Innovation. Retrieved from https://www.isri.org/news-publications/news-details/2023/11/15/isri-celebrates-america-recycles-day-by-highlighting-the- recycling-materials-industry’s-role-in-innovation

Backman, I. (2021). Stanford analysis shows plastic ingestion by marine fish is a widespread and growing problem. Stanford/News Service. Source from: https://news.stanford.edu/press-releases/2021/02/09/plastic-ingestio-growing-problem/

Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., Siegler, T. R., Perryman, M., Andrady, A., ... & Law, K. L. (2015). Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean. Science, 347(6223), 768-771.

Johnson, Chris. (2021), Whales and the plastics problem. The deadliest predator in the sea may not be what you think. WWF. Source from: https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/whales-and-the-plastics-problem

Kershaw, P. J., & Rochman, C. M. (2015). Sources, fate and effects of microplastics in the marine environment: part 2 of a global assessment. Reports and studies-IMO/FAO/Unesco-IOC/WMO/IAEA/UN/UNEP joint group of experts on the scientific aspects of marine environmental protection (GESAMP) Eng No. 93.

Krueger, J. (2001). The Basel Convention and the international trade in hazardous wastes. Yearbook of International Co-operation on Environment and Development, 2002, 43-51.

Kuhn, S., Bravo Rebolledo, E. L., & Van Franeker, J. A. (2015). Deleterious effects of litter on marine life. Marine anthropogenic litter, 75-116.

Lan, D., & Shi, F. (2023). Research on Legal Dilemmas and Countermeasures of Marine Plastic Pollution Control in China. Plastics Industry, 51(8), 158-159.

Li, G. Q. (2021). Strategies for plastic pollution control under the upgraded plastic restriction order. People’s Tribune, (05), 79.

Li, H. (2018). Online shopping and food delivery as blind spots: Ten years of the plastic ban in need of an upgrade. China Quality Miles, (7), 18.

Li, J. J. (2022). Plastic industry: Green, low carbon, and circular. Plastics Industry, 50(6), 1-17.

Li, L., & Li, H. M. (2017). An Exploration of the Complementary Harmonic Change Relationship between Policy and Law. Theory and Reform, (1), 5.

Li, X., Wang, Z., Liu, D., et al. (2022). The current situation and prospects of plastic pollution prevention and control in China. Chemical Industry Management, (16), 55-57.

Liu, B. Y. (2020). Milestones in regulating transboundary movement of plastic waste: Implications of the amendment to the Basel Convention. Journal of Trade and Economic Law Review, (2), 47-57.

Luo, X. L. (2022). Strengthening the recycling and utilization of waste agricultural plastic film to promote sustainable agricultural development. Journal of Smart Agriculture, (22), 65.

Ma, Z. F., Niu, G. Q., & Lu, S. (2023). China plastics industry. China Plastics, 37(5), 110.

Marsh, J. (2023). Top 20 environmental quotes to inspire and motivate you. BioEnergy Consult. Retrieved from https://www.bioenergyconsult.com/environmental-quotes/

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Fishery and Fisheries Administration Bureau of the People’s Republic of China. (2023). 2022 National Fisheries Economic Statistics Bulletin. Retrieved from http://www.yyj.moa.gov.cn/kjzl/202306/t20230628_6431131.htm

National Development and Reform Commission, & Ministry of Ecology and Environment. (2020). Opinions on further strengthening plastic pollution control.

Ning, J. (2020), Progress of the world’s plastics industry from 2018 to 2019, China Plastics Industry, 48(3), 1-14

Parajuly, K., & Fitzpatrick, C. (2020). Understanding the impacts of transboundary waste shipment policies: The case of plastic and electronic waste. Sustainability, 12(6), 2412.

Qu, H. (2010). Survey report on “white pollution” in Hohhot city. Northern Economy, (19), 30-32.

Ran, F. L. (2022). Investigation and Countermeasures on Plastic Pollution Control in Anhui. Journal of Green Science and Technology, 24(22), 136-139

Ren, H. Y. (2020). Study on the Legal Countermeasures of white pollution prevention and control in China. Hebei GEO University. Master Degree Dissertation. 11-13

Rochman, C. M., Hoh, E., Kurobe, T., & Teh, S. J. (2013). Ingested plastic transfers hazardous chemicals to fish and induces hepatic stress. Scientific reports, 3(1), 1-7.

Rodrigues, M. O., Abrantes, N., Goncalves, F. J. M., Nogueira, H., Marques, J. C., & Goncalves, A. M. M. (2019). Impacts of plastic products used in daily life on the environment and human health: What is known? . Environmental toxicology and pharmacology, 72, 103239.

Setälä, O., Norkko, J., & Lehtiniemi, M. (2016). Feeding type affects microplastic ingestion in a coastal invertebrate community. Marine pollution bulletin, 102(1), 95-101.

Shangyou News. (2021). Have you consumed it? Last year, the average person consumed nearly 27 kilograms of seafood. Baidu. Retrieved from https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1712933367635390079&wfr=spider&for=pc

Singh, P., & Sharma, V. P. (2016). Integrated plastic waste management: environmental and improved health approaches. Procedia Environmental Sciences, 35, 692-700.

Sun, Y. H. (2005). New Development of Law of Prevention and Control of Pollution Caused by Solid Waste. Legal System and Management, (2), 20-23

Thapa, K., Vermeulen, W. J., Deutz, P., & Olayide, O. E. (2023). Transboundary movement of waste review: From binary towards a contextual framing. Waste Management & Research, 41(1), 52-67.

Thompson, R. C. (2015). Microplastics in the marine environment: sources, consequences and solutions. Marine anthropogenic litter, 185-200.

Tudor, T., & Dutra, C. J. (Eds.). (2020). The Routledge Handbook of Waste, Resources and the Circular Economy. Routledge. 254-255

Vethaak, A. D., & Legler, J. (2021). Microplastics and human health. Science, 371(6530), 672-674.

Wang, L.Z., & Du, M.D. (2020). Why does the implementation of the “plastic restriction order” encounter obstacles? An analysis based on the revised “ambiguity-conflict” framework. Administrative Forum, 27(5), 12.

Wang, M. L., & Chen, Y. (2022). International legal regulation of transboundary movements of plastic waste: A perspective from the Basel Convention’s plastic waste amendment. International Law Studies, (2), 98.

Wang, S. L., & Zang, Z. X. (2020). From restriction to prohibition: The introduction of the new plastic restriction order. Ecological Economy, 36(5), 9-12.

Wang, X. X., Qu, C. F., Wang, W. Y., An, M. L., & Miao, J. L. (2018). The current status and prospects of marine microplastic pollution research in China. Marine Sciences, 42(3), 132.

Wang, Y. N., Luo, H. L., & Luo, S. Y. (2021). Analysis and suggestions on the obstacles to the implementation of the new “plastic restriction order”. Leather Manufacturing and Environmental Protection Technology, 2(12), 2.

Wang, Y., Li, X., & Li, T. (2020). Prediction of white pollution problem based on Logistic model. Frontiers in Educational Research, 3(8).

Wilcox, C., Van Sebille, E., & Hardesty, B. D. (2015). Threat of plastic pollution to seabirds is global, pervasive, and increasing. Proceedings of the national academy of sciences, 112(38), 11899-11904.

Wingfield, S., & Lim, M. (2022). The United Nations Basel convention’s global plastic waste partnership: history, evolution and progress. Microplastic Environment Pattern Process; Springer: Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany, 323-331.

World Bank. (2021, May 28). ASEAN Member States adopt Regional Action Plan to Tackle Plastic Pollution. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2021/05/28/asean-member-states-adopt-regional-action-plan-to-tackle-plas tic-pollution

Wu, X. A. (2021). The new version of the “Plastic Restriction Order” focuses on building a long-term mechanism for plastic pollution control. Disaster Prevention Expo, (2), 2.

Wu, Y. Q. (2009). Change and reverberation after ban on free plastic bags in China. Environmental Science and Management, 34(1), 18-20.

Xie, L. (2021). Guidelines for the “14th Five-Year Plan” development of the plastic processing industry released. Consumer Daily Online. Available at https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1710764223338485932&wfr=spider&for=pc

Xie, Z. H. (2009). Circular economy from idea to action: Foreword to the China Circular Economy Yearbook (2008). Renewable Resources and Circular Economy, 2(2), 5-7.

Xinhua News. (2024). Xinhua viewpoint: The challenges of recycling waste plastics—What are the bottlenecks in reuse? Retrieved from http://www.news.cn/politics/20240415/88df895079a54320ab3c083f14cd6f8d/c.html

Yan, Y. C., Yang, Z. F., Yu, T. (2022). Sources, ecological hazards and treatment technologies of microplastics in soil. Geology in China, 49(3), 770-781

Yiren. (2004). Beware of car interior pollution for drivers. Safety and Health: Second Half of the Month, (08X), 1.

Yu, J. X. (2019). Issues and Outlets of the System Design of the Circular Economy Promotion Law, Journal of Shanghai University (Social Sciences), 36(4), 130-133

Yu, W. (2019). Perfecting the multi-body participation system for joint treatment of plastic pollution. World Environment, (6), 27-28.

Zhang, D. Y., Wang, Y. G., Peng, X. S., Man, J., Yuan, J. Q., & Cui, X. (2022). Concepts, Practices, and Experiences in China’s Plastic Pollution Management. National Development and Reform Commission Institute for Economic System and Management & Institute of Quantitative and Technical Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, pp. 6-13.

Zhang, J. C., Wen, Y. D., Wu, X. D., Zheng, X. B. (2022). Contamination and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Toys. Asian Journal of Ecotoxicology, 17(4), 346

Zhang, P., Yu, H.L., & Zuo, R.J. (2018). Investigative study on the environmental impact of takeaway packaging. Science and Technology Innovation Herald, 15(12), 99-100.

Zhou, B. Y., & Wang, Q. (1999). Study on the way of prevention and control of “White Pollution”. Pollution Control Technology, 12(1), 14.

Zhou, H. (2016). On Soil Environment and Prevention of Waste Plastic Products. Resources and Environment, 42(4), 243

Zhu, W. Y., Hu, J. X., & Lu, J. Y. (2022). Study on the status quo and countermeasures of domestic waste classification in China. China Resources Comprehensive Utilization, 40(4), 136-138.

Previous
article in this issue

Next
article in this issue