Persistent organic pollutant waste in China: a review of past experiences and future challenges

As one of the world’s fastest developing countries, China is inevitably facing the problem of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Owing in part to an inadequate management framework, insufficient and improper disposal of POP waste has caused serious pollution problems. In this study, we discuss: (1) the generation, amount, and distribution of POP waste in China; (2) past experience with respect to POP treatment and existing problems in management of POP waste. Additionally, we put forward suggestions regarding POP management. The results showed that the total amount of pesticide POP waste was about 4,059–6,093 tons, and more than 2,750 tons pesticide waste have been disposed in recent years. The total amount of polychlorinated biphenyl waste with high concentrations was approximately 50,000 tons; some of them have been disposed by incineration. Dioxin released to the environment through waste was 4,979 g I-TEQ in 2004. To eliminate environmental risk of POP waste, a series of disposal activities have been conducted or planned, but the disposal technique was still single on the whole. Furthermore, we suggest the POP waste inventory should be elevated, and then taking measures to promote disposal and treatment of wastes and strengthening POP waste environmental regulatory capacity building. This work may contribute to understanding the current situation of POP waste, and to developing an inventory of POP waste in the country. Moreover, as there may be many similar situations worldwide, especially in developing countries, the Chinese POP management experience can also provide valuable information to control and manage POP waste.