Seized during inspection last year, the 152.6-tonnes of garbage consisted of lead sludge from recycled lead-acid batteries and slags produced in metal smelting, which are banned from import in China.

A batch of solid waste is put back to the containers for shipment under the inspection of customs officials in Yantai, east China’s Shandong Province, on July 2, 2019. [Photo: VCG]

China began importing solid waste as a source of raw materials in the 1980s and for years has been the world's largest importer, despite its weak capacity in garbage disposal. Some companies have profited by illegally bringing foreign waste into the country, posing a threat to the environment and public health.

As part of its anti-pollution efforts, the government decided to phase out and halt such imports by the end of 2019, except for those containing resources that are not substitutable.