Suspected contaminated waste seized at Port of Santos

This week, IBAMA (the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) seized a container containing various types of waste such as masks and gloves that were pressed into cardboard bales. The suspected contaminated cargo was seized in the red channel of the Port of Santos, in São Paulo, after the Federal Revenue’s customs agency found that the cargo’s description was not compatible with the registration.

In all, 24 pressed bales closed by strong wire were in the 40-foot container. A more detailed inspection identified various types of disposal such as plastic cups, plates, packaging, hardware, stools, travel bags, gallons of hazardous products, aluminum apparatus, energy drink and soda cans, and torn fabrics. Protective masks, disposable gloves, adult diapers, and other items for individual use were also found. This type of material has signs of contamination and, therefore, can pose several risks to human health.

IBAMA’s ombudsman system (Linha Verde) also received a complaint informing that factories in Brazil would be importing paper waste from residential-origin recycling waste. This activity is prohibited in accordance with Normative Instruction No. 12/2013, which regulates procedures for controlling the import of waste.

With the complaint, the IBAMA inspectors arrived at the office of a transport company. An investigation found that the materials found were imported from the United States (USA). The case is being investigated as illegal trafficking of hazardous waste and other waste and may generate a fine ranging from R$500.00  to R$10,000,000.00  to the offenders, in addition to the obligation to return the cargo to its origin.

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