TOKYO -- China's restrictions on imported waste are squeezing the market for recycled materials such as used paper and copper scrap, depressing prices, threatening a supply glut, and forcing exporters to seek new markets.
From the beginning of May through early June, China has imposed a "temporary" ban on imports of waste paper from the U.S. The move followed the adoption of tougher limits on impurities in foreign waste earlier this year in the name of protecting the environment.
