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Should the UK send its rubbish to other countries?

1st - 8th May 2026

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10864

5-11 votes

37716

11-16+ votes

48580

Total votes

According to the Environmental Investigation Agency, the UK exported nearly 600,000 tonnes of plastic waste in 2024. Many countries send waste overseas for recycling: it is often cheaper than domestic processing and can help them reach recycling targets. The idea is that this rubbish is properly recycled upon arrival, with the countries on the receiving end getting an economic boost. However, due to contaminated materials or unscrupulous behaviour of “bad actors” in the industry, it can often end up in landfill or fly-tipped. Critics see this arrangement as a way for wealthy nations to shirk their environmental responsibilities, labelling it “waste colonialism”. For supporters, it is a mutually beneficial way of solving a persistent problem. Often the most passionate demographic on environmental issues, we wanted to know where young people stood on this topic.

Primary 5-11, Secondary, 16+ & College voters were asked: “Should the UK send its rubbish to other countries?”

48,580 young people in the UK voted on this topic, with more participating in discussions in their classrooms.

Age 5-11 voter

We should keep our rubbish in our own country as we have created it and we shouldn’t pollute other countries.

Age 11-16+ voter

Why dump our rubbish in other countries when we should develop the resources to dispose of our own waste?

Age 11-16 voter

Age 11-16 voter

There can be financial benefit for smaller countries when it comes to processing rubbish from elsewhere and waste disposal can help developing countries to generate more energy.

48,580 young people shared their thoughts on waste exportation.

  • All voters discussed the question, "Should the UK send its rubbish to other countries?"
  • Across all ranges, the majority of voters were against waste exportation.
Just over 3/4 of Primary voters said the UK should not send its rubbish to other countries.

  • Primary pupils were the most against, with 78.5% voting 'No'.
  • Many shared concerns about the environmental impact of exporting waste.
  • Lots also thought it was unfair to expect other countries to deal with rubbish that we created in this country.
Many said they worries, but not often as other daily stressors took precedence, such as the rising cost of living.

  • Older voters were less strongly opposed to the practice.
  • Both Secondary and 16+ & College voters returned a roughly 2/3 'No' vote.
  • 'Yes' voters argued that, if both countries were in agreement and behaved fairly, then waste exportation could be mutually beneficial.

  • Across all age groups, responsibility was a key theme in discussions.
  • Many argued that the UK should take responsibility for the waste it creates rather than getting other countries to deal with it.
  • Some said we should focus on dealing with it domestically by improving our own waste infrastructure or by targeting companies for their use of plastic packaging.
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