An Ineffective Industry Between the United States and China: Transnational Transfer of Plastic Waste

Abstract

The waste transfer is a long-standing trade between countries, especially from developed countries to developing countries. It has been facing the debate on economic benefits and environmental costs for many years. This research paper focuses on the market of waste transferring within the United States and China. The paper selects key indicators in the transfer process for benefit and cost estimation. The benefits and costs are calculated from a global perspective, including the benefits of waste export in the United States, the benefits of waste disposal in China, and the cost of China's environment and labor. It indicates that this trade is not effective mainly due to the high cost of environmental governance in China. The suggestions of actions are concluded in this research. Boycotting and establishing stricter policies and constructing more integrated waste protocols is a legitimate resolution.