Liam Wise- Trade Deficit threatens the future of recycling.

It's a little known fact that we (the U.S.) import billions of dollars worth of scrap and solid waste to China for them to recycle. It's a serious business that is crucial to both U.S. and Chinese exporters. Scrap and waste is actually the 6th largest export from the U.S. to China. This entire business is in jeopardy because of China's announcement to ban 24 kinds of solid waste from being imported, this includes plastic AND unsorted paper, 2 very common products of the United States. This ban comes partially as a result of the trade deficit between the U.S. and China, which discourages us from buying Chinese exports. Beijing is already banning certain kinds of scrap metal out of concern for the environment. These reforms will come at a cost for both countries, but it's a step worth taking toward a greener world.