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Export of Recyclable Materials: Evidence from Japan

Author

Listed:
  • Toshihiro Okubo

    (Faculty of Economics, Keio University)

  • Yuta Watabe

    (Faculty of Economics, Keio University)

  • Kaori Furuyama

    (Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA))

Abstract

In this paper, we study the waste haven hypothesis that waste materials are exported to developing countries. Using Japanese trade data on recyclable waste resources (plastic waste, waste paper, iron and steel scrap, and nonferrous metal scraps), we find evidence from our econometric analysis that Asian countries provide a waste haven for Japan. In particular, Japan exports waste materials to Asian countries with low per-capita incomes and large markets. We suggest that environmental regulation should be tightened to reduce traded waste in Asia.

Suggested Citation

  • Toshihiro Okubo & Yuta Watabe & Kaori Furuyama, 2015. "Export of Recyclable Materials: Evidence from Japan," Keio-IES Discussion Paper Series 2015-014, Institute for Economics Studies, Keio University.
    • Handle: RePEc:keo:dpaper:2015-014
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sun, Meng, 2019. "The effect of border controls on waste imports: Evidence from China's Green Fence campaign," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 457-472.
    2. Lin, Chinho & Paengsri, Parinyakorn & Yang, Yiwen, 2023. "Impact of China’s National Sword Policy on waste import:A difference-in-differences approach," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 887-903.
    3. Chunsuttiwat,Pukitta & Coxhead,Ian, 2023. "Will you take my (s)crap? Waste havens in the global plastic waste trade," IDE Discussion Papers 895, Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organization(JETRO).
    4. Bowen Li & Antonio Alleyne & Zhaoyong Zhang & Yifei Mu, 2021. "Sustainability and Waste Imports in China: Pollution Haven or Resources Hunting," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-21, January.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    waste haven; willingness-to-pay; recyclable waste resources; environmental regulations;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F18 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Trade and Environment
    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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