The waste was misdeclared as scrap metal to bypass regulations. This incident clearly highlights the global issue of waste dumping from developed to developing countries.

• Disposal of waste in developing countries is rooted in the NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) syndrome.

NIMBY syndrome

• It refers to a situation where people support development but oppose disposal of waste in their country. 
• This prompted some operators to export hazardous waste to Eastern Europe and developing countries, where environmental awareness was lower and regulatory and enforcement mechanisms were weak.
• Developed countries often dispose of waste in developing nations like India under the guise of recycling.

Issues/Concerns related to Waste Dumping 

• Ethical Concerns: Violates the principle of Environmental Justice. The pollution burden is shifted to poorer countries that contribute less to global waste. 
  • Also, it violates Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.
• Promotion of waste colonialism: Refer to the practice of rich nations dumping waste in Africa, Latin America and Asia through waste trade under the pretence of “recycling”.