Sat, 22 Aug 2009 12:00a.m.
The UK Environment Agency said on Friday that containers of hazardous waste exported to Brazil has arrived back at a British port.
The toxic trash was sent to Brazil in 89 shipping containers earlier this year, incorrectly labelled as recyclable plastic.
The containers held domestic and hospital waste, including batteries, used syringes, condoms, old medicine and soiled nappies.
Officials said 71 of the containers have arrived at the port of Felixstowe, 155km east of London. The rest will return later.
The Environment Agency has launched an investigation into the shipment, and will fumigate the containers before studying their contents. The agency said the waste would then be dealt with by an authorised contractor.
Three men were arrested in Swindon, 160km west of London, last month in connection with the inquiry.
Local police said the men have not yet been charged, and have been released on bail until October.
Andrew Higham, head of the Environment Agency's crime unit, said Britain has pledged to stamp out illegal waste trade.
It is illegal to export waste for disposal, but it can be sent abroad for recycling.
The maximum penalty in the UK for exporting waste illegally is an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.
APTN
