Britain to take back 1,400 tonnes of toxic waste dumped in Brazil

Britain is preparing to take back more than 1,400 tonnes of toxic waste said to have been exported illegally to Brazil for recycling.

The Environment Agency said that it would pay for the return of 90 shipping containers that have arrived at several South American ports in the past few months.

The allegations have increased concern about the illegal trade in hazardous waste that goes on, despite international laws preventing export without strict safeguards. The Brazilian authorities said that the waste in the containers included syringes, bags of blood, condoms and nappies.

Seats from chemical toilets and used bandages were also reported to be mixed with bales of recyclable plastic, while other containers held computers, televisions and car batteries. More