The recycling industry faces some questions and challenges surrounding exports and shipping amid the COVID-19 pandemic this spring. Industry associations, including the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), Brussels, and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Washington, say they are looking into these issues for their members.
According to a news release from the BIR, the association has been connecting with various governments and port authorities to ensure that containers of recyclables keep moving and aren’t stuck at ports.
“BIR has contacted most all of the industrialized countries where the bulk of international trade in recyclables occurs with the message to regard recycling as an essential activity and to keep recyclables moving in trade,” says Ross Bartley, BIR trade and environment director. “BIR has made great efforts with certain developing countries, notably India. There are many developing countries still to contact, so BIR continues in its drafting of best advice in coordination with its members around the world.”
