Plastic Waste Trade
Every year, tonnes of plastic waste, often mislabelled as “recyclables,” are shipped from wealthier nations to countries like Malaysia. In fact, since 2018, Malaysia became one of the world’s top destinations for plastic waste imports.
Greenpeace Malaysia began investigating this growing crisis early on and red-flagged it to the world, exposing illegal shipments, naming polluters, and supporting local communities fighting back.
Our Approach
What really happens to plastic waste once we throw it away? As Malaysia became a dumping ground for the world’s trash, we set out to expose the truth, protect our communities, and demand global accountability.
Investigate and expose
We uncover the truth behind plastic waste shipments through on-the-ground investigations, data reporting, and visual storytelling
Mobilise and empower
We work alongside impacted communities, activists, and allies to take action, protest, and demand accountability from polluters and decision-makers.
Advocate and influence
We push for strong policy change at local and global levels, including media engagement and coalition-building, to ban plastic waste trade.
Our Projects
We didn’t just expose a problem — we sparked a movement. Here’s how we turned local outrage into global pressure.
Waste site investigations
We visited illegal and polluting plastic waste sites across Malaysia. Our investigations weren’t just about documenting waste, they exposed the human cost behind the global recycling lie. We published two reports, The Recycling Myth and The Recycling Myth 2.0, revealing the scale of environmental injustice and the broken system enabling it.
Global & regional advocacy
From ASEAN dialogues to local and international media, we pushed for bans on plastic waste trade. We worked across borders to make this a regional fight, amplifying stories from Malaysia and beyond to shape policies that protect people, not polluters.
Field documentary
We captured on-the-ground realities through film to expose the broken global system of recycling, and how Malaysia has become a dumping ground for the unwanted trash of 19 other countries. Watch the film
Rally against polluters
We joined hands with local communities, activists, and allies to organise nonviolent protests and actions, demanding accountability from plastic waste exporters and the local policymakers enabling this toxic trade.
Mentioned in Media
Our campaign has been featured in national and international media, amplifying the call to end plastic waste trade and hold polluters accountable.
How You Can Help
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Let’s end the age of plastic!
We have a rare chance to turn the tide on plastic. Add your name before the final Global Plastics Treaty talks this August.
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Every Donation Counts
We can’t do this without your help. Take action for environment protection, please make a donation today.
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Reheating plastic food containers: What science says about microplastics and chemicals in ready meals
How often do you eat takeaway food? What about pre-prepared ready meals, or microwaving some leftovers you had in the fridge? Are there any potential downsides we need to be aware of? We decided to investigate.
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Are we cooked? The hidden health risks of plastic-packaged ready meals
Ready meals and takeaways promise convenience – hot food, fast. But are we exposed to potentially dangerous microplastics and chemical additives along with our food?
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“Are We Cooked?”: New Greenpeace report warns of ready meals flooded with microplastics and toxic chemicals
Consumers worldwide are being misled by “microwave-safe” labels while regulators turn a blind eye, as plastics production surges and health risks mount.
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Greenpeace to new plastics treaty talks chair: Restore trust, transparency and ambition
Greenpeace International said the appointment must mark a turning point for the Global Plastics Treaty talks and the start of a renewed effort to rebuild trust in the process
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5 ways to disinvite plastic from your holidays
The holidays are here again. ‘Tis the season to hang out with (or just tolerate) family and friends, share (and maybe overindulge in) tasty meals, and enjoy festivities (or stay…
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Together we are part of a growing, global movement determined to bring about the changes our planet desperately needs.