Toxic U.S. e-waste in Hong Kong

15 June 2008

Video

HONG KONG-Greenpeace said Saturday its activists boarded a cargo ship in Hong Kong to block it unloading a container allegedly carrying toxic electronic waste from the United States.

Campaign director Lo Sze-ping says six activists have climbed a stack of containers and unfurled a banner saying "Toxic waste not welcome here" on Saturday.

Lo says Hong Kong authorities should refuse entry of the container and return it to the United States.

The environmental watchdog says it has tracked the container since it left the Port of Oakland on 30 May. It also says the container carrying printed circuit boards is destined to Sanshui district of the southern Chinese Guangdong province.

China bans import of electronic waste but it is legal in the U.S. to export it.

Greenpeace Quote:

E-waste contains a lot of toxic substances, including heavy metals lead, mercury, cadmium and organic pollutants, these pollutants would seriously affect the body's blood circulation system, central nervous system, endocrine system, and will be long-term residue in the environment, resulting in a lasting Pollution.

A lot from the United States and other developed countries in e-waste is exported to Guiyu in Guangdong, Qingyuan and Taizhou, Zhejiang and other places for dismantling, local environmental pollution and serious threat to the health of the residents.