Vad gör Sverige för att minska den illegala gränsöverskridande handeln med plastavfall?

Sammanfattning: Illegal waste trafficking is today one of the most profitable illegal activities in the world. About 25 % of all global waste transports are estimated to be illegal and they are increasing. The same applies to plastics; the production of plastics is increasing and so is the illegal shipment of plastic waste. Due to the often- harmful substances in plastics, when plastic waste is not taken care of in a proper way, these harmful substances are released into the environment and causes damage. This study shows what the Swedish authorities do to manage and reduce the illegal waste trafficking. To achieve the aim and purpose of this study we have studied scientific articles and reports from authorities that show the current situation and regulation. The study also included an examination of the legislation in the field of waste and waste shipment, both national and international. An interview has also been conducted with an environmental inspector from Malmö environmental administration. The main results show that Sweden is putting considerable effort into the prevention of illegal transportations with waste, such as plastics, across borders. The various aspects of the problem are taken care of by several Swedish authorities, who also collaborate with each other and with authorities in other countries. Despite this, there are several challenges and difficulties within the supervision that needs to improve. The results show that conviction for illegal cross-border waste transport can be a complicated process.