21 containers filled with up to 260 tonnes of waste, initially shipped to Sri Lanka, were returned to England on last month after Sri Lankan officials claimed they were brought onto the island in violation of international laws governing the shipping of hazardous material.

The containers left Sri Lanka’s ports in late September with Sri Lankan officials stating the containers which were supposed to carry used mattresses carpets and rugs, also contained hazardous hospital waste. 

Malcolm Lythgo, Head of Waste Regulation at the Environment Agency (EA), stated, “We are determined to stop this illegal trade and we have officers inspecting waste shipments at ports across England every day.” 

“Those exporting waste should be under no illusion – if we find waste being shipped illegally then we will take action,” stated Lytho. 

A statement released by the EA also went on to warn, “Those responsible could face a custodial sentence of up to two years, an unlimited fine, and the recovery of money and assets gained through the course of their criminal activity.”

The 21 containers first arrived by ship to Colombo’s main port in 2017 and in July of 2019, as concerns over the waste were revealed protestors, including at least one Buddhist monk, gathered outside the British High Commission in Colombo with signs in Sinhalese and English denouncing the UK for reportedly allowing the waste to be transported.

“UK is polluting world’s No. 1 travel destination,” read one sign.

Read the EA's full statement here.