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Environment

Plastic waste searches for a new home as Asia shuts its gates

Import bans highlight shortcomings in global recycling chains

Pressed plastic bottles are stored at a recycling facility in Switzerland. Much of the world's plastic waste ends up in landfills or is burned.   © Reuters

TOKYO -- With China and Southeast Asia slamming their doors on plastic waste imports, advanced economies are scrambling to curb their mounting stockpiles through bans on single-use products and waste-to-energy plants.

Now forced to confront the plastic on their own shores, governments and companies are stepping up to explore options for turning waste into a valuable resource.

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