Scottish toxic waste is being dumped on developing nations

By Christine Lavelle

AN investigation has revealed that tens of thousands of tonnes of toxic waste from Scotland are being illegally dumped in Africa and Asia each year.

According the Scottish Government’s environmental watchdog, the offloading on developing countries has been aided by organised crime groups.

It includes broken televisions, microwaves, tyres and contaminated paper from Scottish homes and businesses.

The waste is said to be endangering the health of people in Nigeria, Zanzibar, Ghana, Indonesia, Pakistan and China.

But, in a major crackdown, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has stopped eight shipments of the illegal trade this year.