Zhou Zhiqiang, a senior official with China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), has announced that China will soon roll out nationwide inspections to reduce the illegal transfer and dumping of waste. This announcement comes on the heels of a recent shutdown of several chemical plants in the eastern province of Jiangsu for the illegal dumping of wastewater.

The illegal disposal and storage of hazardous waste has become a widespread issue among chemical producers, and the country plans on combating that issue along with air pollution and water pollution, which are also major issues.

Reuters has more:

China will soon launch nationwide inspections targeting the illegal transfer and dumping of waste, Zhou Zhiqiang, a senior official with China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) said at a regular press briefing on Friday.

His comments came after officials in the eastern province of Jiangsu shut several chemical plants for the illegal dumping of waste water.

“Local authorities have been focused only on air pollution and water pollution and have not paid attention to waste disposal,” Zhou said, urging local officials to improve waste disposal infrastructure and step up scrutiny.

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