Why is Indonesia burning mountains of foreign plastic waste?

In Karawang, West Java, a chalk factory burns up to 6 tons of unrecycled plastic and rubber every day. The site reflects the waste crisis in Indonesia, which has been worsened by imported plastic labeled as recycling raw material. Despite a ban, 108,000 tons entered in early 2024.

Experts have warned of toxic emissions from outdated incinerators. NGOs urge exporting nations to take responsibility for offloading waste to developing countries.