The Dark Journey of Toxic Waste from Italy to Africa: A Criminal Business Worth 20 Billion Euros

by Marco Arezio

Africa, long at the center of an environmental crisis exacerbated by the illegal importation of waste from Europe, has become the final destination for massive amounts of often hazardous material.

This illegal business, which sees Italy as one of the main hubs, generates a global turnover estimated at 20 billion euros. In recent months, significant seizures have been made in Tuscany, Campania, and Emilia-Romagna, shedding light on the extent of this criminal activity.

The Mechanism of Illicit Trafficking

The process of transporting waste from Europe to Africa is complex and highly organized. Wastes, often hazardous such as toxic materials, electronics, or non-recyclable plastics, are packed into containers and officially shipped as "materials for recycling". Countries like Tunisia, Ghana, Senegal, and Mauritania end up being the main destinations for these illicit cargoes.

These shipments are often disguised as legitimate exports of waste intended for recycling. However, once they reach their destination, the waste is often abandoned in open dumps or burned, causing serious environmental damage and public health risks.

Existing regulations, such as the Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movement of Wastes, are systematically violated in this process.

Investigations and Seizures in Italy

Italian authorities, in response to growing concerns, have intensified investigations and controls on the movements of waste destined for export. In recent months, significant seizures have been made in various regions, including Tuscany, Campania, and Emilia-Romagna. These seizures have not only revealed the scale of the illicit activity but also the sophisticated masking techniques used by industry operators.

Investigations have highlighted how many of the companies involved use false documentation to classify waste as non-hazardous materials. In addition, corrupt agreements with local officials, both in Italy and in the destination countries, have been uncovered to facilitate the entry of waste into African markets without the proper checks.

Environmental and Health Impact

The impact of these illicit practices is devastating for the environment and the health of local populations. Illegal landfills, often located near vulnerable communities, contaminate the soil and water, leading to diseases and long-term health problems.

Furthermore, the uncontrolled burning of plastic and electronic waste releases toxic chemicals into the air, contributing to a broader problem of air pollution.

International Response and Future Actions

The international community, including environmental organizations and United Nations agencies, has called for greater cooperation among countries to stop the waste trafficking. There is an urgent need to strengthen laws and control measures, as well as to increase transparency and traceability of waste shipments.

Moreover, it is essential that European countries, including Italy, invest in more advanced recycling technologies and sustainable waste management policies to reduce the amount of waste produced and its hazards.

The illicit trafficking of waste to Africa represents not only a serious environmental and health risk but also raises urgent moral and ethical issues that require immediate collective action.

The irresponsible and illegal management of waste, especially hazardous ones, is not just a problem of non-compliance with international regulations, but reflects a broader crisis of environmental and humanitarian responsibility. To effectively address the phenomenon, it is essential to further examine the dynamics of this trafficking, its consequences, and the necessary measures to eradicate it.