The global landscape of waste sorting and recycling showcases diverse and highly effective systems developed in various countries and regions.

These examples demonstrate the crucial interplay among government regulation, public participation, economic incentives, and infrastructure development.

Drawing from notable programs worldwide, this report identifies key practices, government roles, and implementation experiences relevant to enhancing municipal waste management systems, especially for a U.S. county government context.

South Korea stands out for its comprehensive and successful waste management system, particularly in Seoul.

Introduced in 1995, South Korea’s volume-based waste fee system (VBWF) imposes charges on waste generation by requiring residents to purchase standardized garbage bags, effectively acting as a waste levy.

This economic incentive encourages waste reduction and meticulous sorting.

The government rigorously enforces regulations and invests heavily in public education programs, such as nationwide campaigns promoting the reduction of food waste and improving correct recyclables separation, which have shifted public attitudes and behaviors.

South Korea demonstrates consistent recycling rates exceeding 60%, with Seoul reporting rates near 70% for recyclable waste materials.

Challenges included initial public resistance to paying for waste disposal and confusion over sorting categories, which the government overcame through transparent communication, continuous engagement via mass media, and by providing clear sorting guidelines.

The central government's involvement in coordinating policies, funding infrastructure, and monitoring compliance has been pivotal to this sustained success .

Taiwan’s Resource Recovery 4-in-1 Program, initiated in 1997, has achieved recycling rates near 55%.

This program integrates the government, manufacturers, consumers, and licensed recyclers into a shared financial and operational responsibility model for waste separation and material recovery.

The government supports the system through well-organized collection infrastructure, including 20,000 dedicated collection vehicles and established sorting stations across urban and rural areas.

Public engagement is substantial, including mandatory trash sorting education in schools and community outreach programs that actively involve citizen participation.

Early barriers involved reluctant consumer compliance and coordination difficulties between stakeholders, but success came from strong legal mandates, incentives such as deposit-refund systems for beverage containers, and consistent public awareness campaigns.

Taiwan’s experience illustrates how systemic collaboration and government facilitation of infrastructure and education can overcome behavioral and logistical challenges .

Singapore achieved a national recycling rate of 51.7% in 2020, remarkable given its dense population and limited land.

The government enforces strict regulations with fines for littering and improper waste disposal, coupled with a mandatory waste segregation policy in public facilities and residential blocks.

Singapore heavily invests in centralized waste processing including incineration facilities that recover energy, reducing landfill dependency to less than 3% of total waste generated.

Public campaigns such as the Keep Clean Singapore Movement run extensive education initiatives, engaging schools, workplaces, and community groups to encourage sorting at source.

Some barriers encountered include public resistance to mandatory segregation, mitigated by phased implementation, subsidies for recycling bins, and cooperation agreements with private waste management companies.

The government’s direct involvement in infrastructure development and public behavior change initiatives highlights the importance of coordinated leadership .

Belgium exemplifies European success with recycling rates reaching 91% for sorted waste.

It employs extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes that hold manufacturers accountable for packaging waste collection and recycling, incorporating eco-modulation fees to incentivize sustainable packaging design.

Government authorities enforce strict segregation rules and conduct robust inspection and penalty regimes to ensure compliance by businesses and households.

Public engagement campaigns, such as "Recycle Today for a Better Tomorrow," use media outreach, local workshops, and school programs to instill a culture of recycling.

Implementation challenges included ensuring widespread compliance by small businesses and rural households.

Belgium overcame these through decentralized municipal collection systems supported by state funding and cooperative governance models involving producers, municipalities, and the public .

Ukraine is progressively adopting Finland’s leading waste management standards, targeting a recycling rate of up to 99% as achieved by Finland.

Ukraine has legislated the introduction of separate household waste collection systems in over 1,700 settlements and initiated service fee structures that charge customers based on waste volume to incentivize separation and reduction.

The government actively promotes public awareness campaigns such as "Sort It Right,” which includes televised advertisements, community workshops, and school-based educational modules.

Initial hurdles included infrastructural deficits, limited recycling market development, and low public familiarity with sorting rules.

These barriers are being addressed through partnerships with international organizations, investment in new recycling facilities, and comprehensive training programs for municipal workers and residents.

Government coordination has been key in funding, legislation, and piloting separate waste collection projects .

Russia’s nationwide environmental operator has advanced a fractional waste sorting program across 61 regions aimed at transitioning to a closed-loop economy.

The program encourages dual separate waste collection focusing on dry recyclables and organic waste.

The government has installed over 40,000 smart containers and waste collection modules, integrating data monitoring to optimize collection routes and improve sorting accuracy.

Public engagement strategies include online platforms that reward responsible disposal behaviors and informational campaigns via social media, television, and municipal events.

Challenges persist with certain waste streams such as contaminated textiles and paper, alongside varied regional compliance levels.

To mitigate these, the government emphasizes ongoing education, flexible policy adaptations, and incremental expansion of collection infrastructure, complementing enforcement policies .

Hong Kong currently experiences low recycling rates estimated around 30%, hindered by fragmented policies, high local production costs for recycled materials, and limited enforcement mechanisms.

Recently introduced legislation incorporates “polluter pays” principles mandating waste charging through a municipal solid waste charging policy, requiring residents to buy designated garbage bags or pay fees based on waste weight.

A forthcoming Producer Responsibility Scheme (PRS) will hold manufacturers financially responsible for plastic waste management.

Comparison with neighboring regions reveals disparities — South Korea achieves plastic recycling rates exceeding 80%, and Nordic countries range between 80-90%.

Hong Kong faces barriers including low public acceptance, insufficient recycling infrastructure, and limited economic incentives for industry participation.

The government is intensifying educational campaigns, including “Plastic Smart” public outreach and school programs, and plans a phased implementation timetable to address behavioral and structural challenges .

Egypt’s government-led initiatives showcase a large-scale investment of approximately 12 billion Egyptian pounds targeting waste recycling infrastructure improvements.

The recycling rate remains under 20% but is on an upward trajectory due to newly established sanitary landfill cells, waste sorting plants, and recycling facilities that partly convert waste to energy and organic fertilizers.

Extensive political support facilitates project financing and coordination with private sector partners.

Egypt’s initiatives focus on basic waste collection accessibility and are coupled with public awareness efforts such as national campaigns promoting clean canals and reduced pollution.

Key challenges include informal sector integration, limited technical capabilities, and public participation, which are addressed through training programs, pilot projects, and awareness drives .

In summary, across these diverse international contexts, successful waste sorting and recycling systems share several critical elements:

First, robust government leadership underpins success.

Governments enforce comprehensive legislation, provide infrastructure funding, and execute monitoring and penalty mechanisms to maintain system integrity.

This leadership role is critical in ensuring stakeholder accountability and sustaining program momentum.

Second, economic incentives and disincentives—such as pay-as-you-throw systems, waste levies, and extended producer responsibility—drive behavioral change across households, manufacturers, and waste handlers.

These mechanisms align financial accountability with environmental goals.

Third, inclusive multi-stakeholder participation frameworks promote shared responsibility.

Programs that engage manufacturers, consumers, recycling enterprises, and governments in financial and operational roles align interests and improve efficiency.

Fourth, substantial investment in professional and centralized waste infrastructure—smart collection bins, dedicated vehicles, sorting plants—is essential to manage volumes and maintain material quality for recycling.

Gradual enforcement introduction and pilot programs build capacity and public cooperation.

The global landscape of waste sorting and recycling showcases diverse and highly effective systems developed in various countries and regions.

Title:

Content: Bauhinia Party ｜ Refresh Waste Charges
Author: 01 Forum
Published: Updated:
Like most Hong Kong people, I did not have any concept or awareness of garbage collection, until I heard that it was officially implemented on April 1 this year, and I began to pay attention to it.
In fact, the legislation on waste charging has been passed by the Legislative Council as early as August 2021, and the specific provisions of waste charging are actually very simple and clear, that is, based on the "polluter pays" principle, all waste, whether from individuals, families or groups, or according to the pre-purchased designated garbage bags, or according to the weight of the waste, the "entry fee".
As for the government's intention to implement waste charging, it is also very clear and simple, that is, to force the public to reduce waste and recycle through charging, and promote the sustainable development of ecology.
Author ： Zhou Xiaojao
Although the rules are simple and clear, it is not so easy to really land.
In order to pay less, people will try to pack more garbage into garbage bags. How should those crowded garbage bags be tracked and handled? In order to pay less, people will dispose of their garbage in public places such as streets, parks, markets, shopping malls, etc., how should such behavior be identified and enforced? As for the different groups that produce large amounts of waste, as well as the property, cleaning, refuse collection and other organizations that assist in the disposal of waste, a series of countermeasures are also required.
It is in view of the complexity of implementation that the Government has set aside a preparation period of up to 18 months for the formal implementation of the Ordinance.
However, the general public, like the author, did not really start to pay attention to the new policy, which will affect every household, until the first two or three months of its implementation, and there was a lot of uncertainty and doubt. Ming. "
But the question is, is the disruption caused by garbage charges really just a problem of insufficient publicity?
How to deal with garbage is an old problem faced by cities, especially large cities.
Specifically, there are three core issues surrounding the garbage problem: First, how to control the amount of garbage generated? Second, how to encourage the classification of garbage management? Third, how to deal with different types of garbage? The first issue mainly relates to the source of garbage: how to avoid excessive packaging?
How to promote the environmental protection of packaging materials? The second issue relates to the recycling of waste: how to guide the public to separate and collect different types of waste according to the difficulty of recycling? The third issue relates to the fate of waste: simple stacking, centralized landfill or recycling, incineration and power generation?
In response to the above garbage issue, Hong Kong has not made a satisfactory response for a long time, let alone effective action.
The lunch boxes purchased on the street are still foam or plastic that cannot be decomposed. Shopping bags provided by shopping malls are also plastic products, and the goods purchased from the mainland are wrapped in plastic layer after layer.
There was a time when Hong Kong encouraged the classification of kitchen waste and the production of agricultural fertilizer from kitchen waste. Unfortunately, this good practice failed to persist, and the public has not formed a self-awareness of garbage classification.
A large amount of waste has been sent to the countryside to landfill without any sorting. The existing three major landfills are already overwhelmed, and facilities such as waste power generation have taken more than 10 years to start.
Solving the waste problem itself is a systematic project, involving all aspects, coupled with the interests of thousands of households and changes in living habits, so each country in the disposal of the waste issue mostly adopt a gradual, tailored, durable strategy.
Japan is recognized as the best country in terms of waste disposal. The key to its success is the gradual development of a sense of garbage sorting through half a century of sustained efforts and strict laws and regulations.
Mainland China also tries to start with garbage sorting, although there is a strong enforcement force, but the government still dare not play a game of chess across the country, but choose some cities to pilot first, and then gradually push to the whole country.
In contrast, Hong Kong, which has been lagging behind on garbage disposal, naively uses “polluter pays ” as the ultimate“ killer ’ s mace ” in an attempt to “get it done. ”
This mentality is understandable, but can a simple, one-size-fits-all waste charge really solve the waste problem facing Hong Kong?
Can you encourage eco-friendly packaging?
Can you promote garbage separation?
More importantly, can the current waste charging design really reduce the amount of waste generated?
I am afraid the answers to these questions are not as optimistic as the Government thinks.
If Hong Kong ’ s waste challenge is not effectively addressed, then what is the point of this policy, which costs the time and money of all citizens and stakeholders?
For example, in order to make up for the long-term inaction on reclamation, the SAR Government hastily launched the HK $trillion-dollar Lantau Island Construction Project in the absence of full consultation with the community, making it difficult for the project to ride under the current internal and external environment. The awkward situation.
The author is not sure whether garbage collection will also face similar experiences, but if the publicity and communication in the next few months can not convince the community that the relevant garbage collection policy can effectively solve the garbage problem faced by Hong Kong, then it is necessary for the SAR Government to suspend the implementation of the relevant policy, and redesign the plan to be more gradual and targeted, focusing on effectively solving the waste generation, waste management and recycling. A series of policies, and consistent implementation.
In fact, the above doubts about the government ’ s waste charging policy have emerged since the government first introduced the relevant bill to the Legislative Council in 2018.
Although the Bills Committee set up at that time to scrutinize the relevant bills supported the direction of the Government's waste reduction policy, it also made a large number of recommendations on the effective implementation of the relevant policies. Some members even held different views on whether the relevant fees could achieve the preset targets.
The Government has also responded to the views of the Bills Committee, including improving waste reduction and recycling measures and providing assistance to those in need.
Regrettably, these reasonable measures should be perfect in the two years after the passage of the relevant regulations in the preparatory stage either in the form, or the lack of publicity, and ultimately let this in the design of the innate deficiencies, in the landing and inadequate preparation of the waste reduction policy is likely to fall into the eyes of the public "workers hurt money" and abandoned halfway.
The author, Zhou Xiaojui, is a researcher at the Bauhinia Institute for Policy Studies.
The article is only the opinion of the author and does not represent the position of Hong Kong 01.
Please email us at 01view @ hk01.com.
Please attach the author ’ s real name and contact details.
If not applicable, no notice will be given.

These examples demonstrate the crucial interplay among government regulation, public participation, economic incentives, and infrastructure development.

Title:

Content: ROP, or How will Kyrgyzstan recycle its waste?
In Bishkek, a seminar was held on the topic of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for the disposal of goods and packaging, organized by the WasteNet.KG. project.
The seminar was attended by producers of products, government authorities, waste processing enterprises, non-governmental and international organizations and experts.
Director of CSR Central Asia Agency Asel Arstanbekova noted that the issues of environmental safety, social responsibility of producers are very acute.
“In many countries, the topic of social expanded responsibility is already active and, having studied their experience, we would like to determine what is applicable for Kyrgyzstan, ” she said.
WasteNet.KG expert Natalia Baidakova presented the concept of the concept of extended producer responsibility (EPR), its implementation mechanisms, and the ultimate goal of which is to reduce and gradually reduce to zero the disposal of waste that can be used in recycling and recycling.
How is the situation with the ROP in Kyrgyzstan?
The issue of waste accumulation in Kyrgyzstan is reflected in many strategic documents, such as the National Development Strategy of Kyrgyzstan until 2040, the Green Economy Concept, and the Green Economy Development Program.
More than 40 laws include waste issues.
The main ones are the law on environmental protection, on industrial waste, which was adopted back in 2001.
Naturally, this document needs to be amended and supplemented.
In addition, a classification of hazardous waste based on international standards has been developed and adopted.
The legislation specifies that separate collection of waste should be carried out, for use as secondary resources it is prohibited to use hazardous waste as secondary raw materials.
But at the same time, many norms are absent, for example, there is no definition of what secondary waste is, there are no norms regulating the collection and processing of secondary raw materials, there are no norms for stimulating the processing of secondary materials, and so on.
The legislation undoubtedly requires changes, another thing is what these changes will be.
On March 19, 2021, a decree of the President of Kyrgyzstan on measures to ensure environmental and climate security was adopted.
A number of points were aimed at improving the efficiency of waste management, implementing separate collection of garbage, including stimulating the creation of recycling enterprises.
In 2019, a number of laws were also amended, for example, the law of consumption production, the procedure for handling hazardous mercury-containing waste.
What now?
In Kyrgyzstan, favorable conditions have been created for the organization of an effective management system and the introduction of expanded producer responsibility.
Thus, in December 2021, the Action Plan of the Cabinet of Ministers on the implementation of the National Development Program of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2026 was approved, which provides for the implementation of a number of measures to improve the waste management system.
The measures are aimed at introducing amendments and additions to laws, regulatory legal acts, including in terms of introducing the principles of the concept of extended responsibility of manufacturers of ROP for the disposal of goods and packaging.
Experience of other countries and international companies
Aleksandara Akirman, Caucasus and Central Asia Public Relations Manager at The Coca-Cola Foundation, noted that almost all global manufacturers of goods and packaging have committed to transfer from 8 to 10% of secondary raw materials to new packaging.
“In the next five to ten years, the companies intend to use more environmentally friendly materials, develop new types of packaging, provide for collection and processing.
At the same time, companies are trying to work with government authorities in their respective countries to ensure that such systems develop.
Now in Kyrgyzstan there is a linear economy of packaging, in which most packages go to landfill, are dumped in the form of garbage.
Almost 100% of the primary material is used.
While in a circular economy, plastic packaging is used endlessly.
The new packaging needs to be recycled.
Such a circular economy is possible.
In more than 30 countries around the world, we produce packaging from recycled materials, ” she said.
The OECD Environment Directorate, economist and environmentalist Frisief Lubinger in his speech noted that at present the ROP system is actively developing and is beginning to be used more intensively around the world.
"The transition to PPE is particularly active in North America, Europe and a number of transition economies, but it should be noted that in transition economies, additional resources are needed to make the system fully operational," he added.
Next, Givi Kalandadze, an expert from Georgia, the chairman of the operator of the ROP, said that the country has a special law on waste management, which has a special section under number 9 dedicated to the ROP.
“Also, the law has an important section dedicated to responsible persons who monitor the ROP.
Such a manager should be in each organization and be responsible for coordination, for cooperation with stakeholders in waste management. "
Experts from Kazakhstan and Russia also spoke about the system of implementation of the ROP in their countries, about successes and failures.
In addition, during the event, it was noted that the first place in the ROP system for packaging is occupied by the countries of the European Union, in which Belgium is the leader, where 91% of the population sorts garbage.
Next are the countries of the Middle East, followed by the countries of Africa, then Latin America, followed by Canada, then the countries of Southeast Asia and close the list of the countries of the former USSR.
Author: Munara Borombaeva.
Photo: Vlad Ushakov
Source: Kuramastory
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Drawing from notable programs worldwide, this report identifies key practices, government roles, and implementation experiences relevant to enhancing municipal waste management systems, especially for a U.S. county government context.

Title:

Content: Waste management in Hong Kong starts early and matures late. How can we catch up with Taiwan, Shanghai, Korea and the tail lights of the starry cars?
Author: 01 Weekly Report
Published: Updated:
Hong Kong's environmental protection policy has not made great progress. For many years, it seems that it has remained at the stage of "blue waste paper, yellow aluminum cans, coffee plastic bottles", and there is no plastic reduction policy.
Last year, the mainland stopped the import of waste paper, and Hong Kong recyclers also stopped collecting waste paper.
When the Government is faced with Members' questions on plastic reduction and countless initiatives by environmental groups, it is always in a state of "discussion" with the retail and restaurant industries, "under consideration", lest it harm the economic interests of the industry, and would rather harm the environmental benefits than see any actual action taken.
On July 1, 2019, the Shanghai Municipal Domestic Waste Management Ordinance was officially implemented.
At Haihong Bridge Station on the railway line, volunteers are promoting a little knowledge of garbage classification. (Visual China)
On the other hand, after years of vigorous promotion, waste management is well organized and highly efficient: South Korea ’ s waste management system is at the forefront of Asia, with Seoul being the most effective.
The local municipal authorities have the responsibility to collect, recycle and dispose of domestic and commercial solid waste. Waste management in Taiwan once lagged behind Hong Kong, but due to the early introduction of the waste levy policy by the Taiwan government, and then formulated a complex and effective waste management system, the situation in Singapore is gradually reversed. Shanghai launched the “Shanghai Municipal Domestic Waste Management Ordinance ” in 2019. The complicated measures have caused complaints from the public. Over time, the results can be said to be immediate after the people have familiarized themselves with the regulations.
Looking at the situation in these four Asian regions, it is not difficult to imagine why there is no systematic waste management in Hong Kong today, when we look back at Hong Kong's garbage collection practices, which rely entirely on the people's consciousness to separate and unsupervised waste.
For more details, please read the 285th issue of Hong Kong 01 (4 October 2021), “What should Hong Kong look for in Taiwan, Shanghai, Korea and Star? ”.
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South Korea stands out for its comprehensive and successful waste management system, particularly in Seoul.

Introduced in 1995, South Korea’s volume-based waste fee system (VBWF) imposes charges on waste generation by requiring residents to purchase standardized garbage bags, effectively acting as a waste levy.

Title:

Content: Hong Kong ’ s slow progress in environmental governance – why not look at the Greater Bay Area and the world?
Author: Liu Mengting
Published: Updated:
In 2005, the SAR Government proposed to develop a recycling economy, that is, to reduce the environmental burden by repairing, recycling and extending the service life of materials, to find a way out for recycling recyclable materials, and to promote the development of related industries and promote economic diversification.
However, more than a decade later, Hong Kong ’ s circular economy has not made much progress.
In this regard, some scholars suggest leveraging the advantages of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
At the same time, Hong Kong ’ s waste management policy is not yet climate, and we must match the experience of “top students ” such as Korea, Taiwan and Singapore.
Circular Economy Enemies the Greater Bay Area
Professor Patrick Poon, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been developing a patented technology for converting waste glass into environmentally friendly bricks since the 1990s, with a view to improving the recycling efficiency of waste glass.
Green brick is a kind of concrete brick, can effectively use construction waste and waste glass, the third generation of green brick has been put into the market as paving brick.
For more than 20 years, the technology has been optimized by scholars to the fifth generation, but it is still “technology without market ”.
In an interview with "Hong Kong 01" recently, Poon mentioned the two main reasons why the development of the local green brick industry is hindered, which is also the dilemma faced by Hong Kong's circular economy.
Pan Chih-sheng says that the research on green bricks has been successful, but the price is not competitive. (photo by O'Cara)
One of the main reasons is that local manufacturing has caused the high enterprise products to lose market advantage. Poon analysis, because the whole production process of environmentally friendly bricks produced in Hong Kong is completed in Hong Kong, and the land price and labor in Hong Kong are very high, and the price has also risen with the water. It is necessary to open up the market to achieve maximum trade liberalization, so the possibility of contractors choosing Hong Kong materials for profit considerations is very low.
On the other hand, the Hong Kong government has not introduced relevant policies to require the actual use of environmentally friendly materials, in the absence of just the premise, the market share of environmentally friendly bricks is unstable, and the current use of the third generation of environmentally friendly bricks is about 20% more expensive than natural sand bricks, so the project side may not consider the use of environmentally friendly bricks.
Another major obstacle is that the government did not help. Pan Zhisheng pointed out that environmental protection bricks are made of recycled materials, although the quality and performance of the bricks are not lost to natural sand and stone, but the quality difference is greater.
However, according to the existing government regulations, the two are regarded as the same, that is, the quality of environmentally friendly materials is too high, but it may still be regarded as unqualified due to the degree of quality difference. This single regulation is a constraint for the application of environmentally friendly bricks. If the outlook does not improve, it will be more difficult to attract investors.
Under such a vicious cycle, the government has no intention to invest or give support, and the environmental protection brick industry chain has become a dead end.
The recycling rate of local waste in Hong Kong is low, and exports are facing many restrictions.
In an interview with Hong Kong 01, Wong Woon-chung, director of the Johan Centre for Applied Forestry Research in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), Hong Kong Baptist University, pointed out that the land resources in Hong Kong are tight, such as the opening of a recycling plant for recycled materials will double the cost.
Mr Wong stressed that the circular economy requires complementary advantages from different regions. There is no way out if the development vision is limited to Hong Kong. (photo by Mr Cheng Tze-feng)
Waste management in Hong Kong is inefficient and should be seen around the world
South Korea, Singapore and Taiwan implemented waste levies in 1995, 1996 and 2000 respectively. Since then, they have gradually developed comprehensive and mature environmental policies with local characteristics.
Hong Kong's waste management system has been fragmented for many years, and it is time to look at the world and learn from advanced experience and thinking.
Hong Kong ’ s waste management policy has not been good for many years, and the climate should be on par with other regions. (Photo by Tsai Cheng-pong)
Korea has introduced waste utilization measures in a multi-pronged manner to achieve long-term management, so the Korean waste management system is at the forefront of Asia.
For example, the city of Seoul, which has achieved the most remarkable results, introduced a series of supporting measures in a few years to change the entire waste treatment model, public perception of waste and living habits after the implementation of the garbage levy system in 1995.
In contrast, the Hong Kong Government is always "discussing" with the industry and "considering" the initiatives of environmental protection groups.
Taiwan is also a leader in waste management in Asia.
The Taiwan government sent a special cleaning team to collect household waste from residents using two types of recycling trucks – yellow garbage trucks are used to collect general waste from residents using official garbage bags, and white garbage trucks are used to collect raw and cooked food waste, plastic and other recyclable resources.
As early as 1997, the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency launched the "Resource Recovery 4-in-1 Program", which fully mobilized the role of the government, manufacturers, consumers and licensed recycling enterprises in waste management, not only to skillfully distribute the financial costs, but also to reflect the principle of impartiality.
Singapore has a small population, similar to Hong Kong, but the waste recycling work is more professional and centralized.
In Singapore, three waste management enterprises are licensed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) to provide waste collection and recycling services to residents in different parts of the country. The waste is meticulously classified into paper, plastic, glass and metal, and the garden waste is collected separately.
In the recycling process, incineration plants reduce the volume of waste by 90%, and then use 3% of non-incineration and non-recyclable waste to landfill to reduce the environmental burden.
According to statistics, Singapore ’ s solid waste recycling rate reached 51.7% in 2020, a model that Hong Kong can learn from.
As for the administrative efficiency of the Mainland, it is also worth reflecting on the Hong Kong government. In July 2019, Shanghai implemented what has been described as the “world ’ s most stringent ” waste separation measure.
First of all, its domestic waste is strictly divided into four categories, namely recyclables, hazardous waste, wet waste and dry waste; secondly, if individuals or units do not dispose of garbage in accordance with the classification, they will be punished with severe high fines.
Under the mandatory implementation of the government, Shanghai residents have achieved good environmental protection results after experiencing "pain".
The Garbage Levy Ordinance has already been introduced, but the Government must not be complacent about it, but must think about how to tie in with the Ordinance in the next step, and adopt a systematic and comprehensive thinking to achieve long-term waste management.
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This economic incentive encourages waste reduction and meticulous sorting.

The government rigorously enforces regulations and invests heavily in public education programs, such as nationwide campaigns promoting the reduction of food waste and improving correct recyclables separation, which have shifted public attitudes and behaviors.

Title:

Content: Producer Responsibility System Waste Reduction Policy Package in Place
Comments ‧ World Situation 2022 / 08 / 06
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On average, more than 5 million plastic beverage bottles are disposed of in landfills in Hong Kong every day, reflecting the poor results of plastic reduction and recycling.
Under the long-term initiative of environmental organizations such as Green Earth, the environmental protection department is preparing to introduce relevant producer responsibility schemes (PRS) to respond.
In simple terms, PRS usually uses financial means, such as bottle fees and glass bottle levies, to induce "producers" such as manufacturers, retailers and even consumers to shoulder their due environmental responsibility.
Effective laws and regulations are indispensable to improve the industrial chain
PRS This waste management regulation is slightly different from the common pollution control regulations. To promote source waste reduction and recycling, effective regulations and the support of the entire recycling industry chain are indispensable.
First, the recycling industry chain, which includes high-coverage front-line collection points, large and small transport fleets, adequate recycling and recycling plants, a market for valuable recycled materials, and PRS system managers.
To promote the formation and effectiveness of the recycling industry chain, we must first have "smart" regulations, in which the setting of ambitious recycling targets, attractive economic incentives (such as refunds by bottle or bottle), and a reward and punishment mechanism for manufacturers are all key elements.
For example, the EPD recently proposed that each plastic bottle should be given a refund of at least one dime, hoping to achieve a recovery rate of 40% in the first year and 75% in five years.
Is there a “tooth ” for this purpose?
Hong Kong 's plastic recycling performance is poor PRS International
Green Earth analyzed a number of countries and regions that use PRS to manage beverage containers, and concluded that the average refund amount for each plastic bottle is more than HK $1, which is 10 times less than the corner of Hong Kong.
As for the average recovery rate target for the first year of PRS, the international average is above 70%, of which 80% in South Korea in Asia and 90% in the three Nordic countries are high; even if the target is lower, Lithuania and Slovakia are also 55% and 60% respectively, which are much more positive than Hong Kong's 40%.
The reason why PRS is called producer responsibility, the key word is the word "producer", which means that this stakeholder is responsible.
I would like to remind the environmental protection department that the recycling responsibilities of manufacturers and importers must not be missed.
The most direct approach is to set up an adequate reward and punishment mechanism to ensure that if the manufacturer fails to meet the recycling target, it must bear the responsibility, so that it can be matched with the "responsibility system".
Set up incentive mechanism to encourage manufacturers to respond positively
South Korea, a model student of high plastic bottle recycling, has adopted the Pigouvian Tax: if the market fails to meet the 80% recycling target, producers, importers and PRS system administrators have to pay the corresponding punitive tax on a proportional basis.
The author also believes that, in fairness, if the recycling rate exceeds the target, or the market adopts a considerable plastic reduction package (such as naked buy, reuse container sales), there should be corresponding incentives to promote the positive response of manufacturers and create a source of plastic reduction culture.
At a time when the Government has not yet submitted the PRS Bill to the Legislative Council, the Legislative Council (especially the Panel on Environmental Affairs) has the responsibility to monitor the quality of the policy and request the Administration to respond positively to the following key points:
1. Disclose the results of the EPD ’ s 2021 plastic bottle public consultation, including supporting the proportion of different refund amounts;
2. Keep up with the international standard, the minimum refund amount should start at HK $1;
Third, update the recovery rate target: 70% in the first year of policy implementation, and increase to 90% in three years;
Fourth, set up a review mechanism: if the recycling target is not reached within the deadline, then increase the legal minimum amount of refunded bottles, increase the economic incentive; at the same time, compared with the Piguet tax, manufacturers, importers, PRS system managers must be jointly responsible for the failure to meet the target.
Author: Liu Zhaolang Senior Project Director, Green Earth
Column name: GREEN FORUM
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South Korea demonstrates consistent recycling rates exceeding 60%, with Seoul reporting rates near 70% for recyclable waste materials.

Challenges included initial public resistance to paying for waste disposal and confusion over sorting categories, which the government overcame through transparent communication, continuous engagement via mass media, and by providing clear sorting guidelines.

The central government's involvement in coordinating policies, funding infrastructure, and monitoring compliance has been pivotal to this sustained success .

Taiwan’s Resource Recovery 4-in-1 Program, initiated in 1997, has achieved recycling rates near 55%.

This program integrates the government, manufacturers, consumers, and licensed recyclers into a shared financial and operational responsibility model for waste separation and material recovery.

The government supports the system through well-organized collection infrastructure, including 20,000 dedicated collection vehicles and established sorting stations across urban and rural areas.

Public engagement is substantial, including mandatory trash sorting education in schools and community outreach programs that actively involve citizen participation.

Title:

Content: Ukraine will deepen cooperation with Finland in the direction of household waste management.
According to the press service of the Ministry of Regional Development, this was announced by the Minister of Communities and Territories Alexey Chernyshov during a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to Ukraine Päivi Laine.
It is noted that in Finland, only 1% of waste ends up in landfills, the vast majority is recycled.
This is the result of the interaction of the central and local authorities, as well as the awareness of citizens
Ukraine is also planning to adopt this experience.
“Finland is a country that demonstrates high standards of environmental waste management.
Almost all the citizens of this country sort the garbage.
As a result, 99% of household waste is recycled.
This experience will be useful for Ukraine.
So, a similar process is already underway in hromadas - in 1725 settlements of our state, a separate collection of household waste has been introduced.
But it is necessary to scale this direction and introduce useful practices of international partners in the country, "Chernyshov said.
Read alsoIn the Odessa region on the Danube, the dam is destroyed - under it meter voids In the press service reminded that thanks to the implementation of separate collection of garbage in 2020, about 6.3% of household waste was recycled and disposed of in Ukraine.
In turn, Laine noted that Finland is ready to share experience and help Ukrainian communities to implement waste processing projects.
“We also have companies that recycle waste into energy.
In such a comprehensive way, we improve the ecology of our country, ” she added.
Waste recycling in Ukraine
As UNIAN reported, in July 2020, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted in the first reading the draft law No. 2207-1-d “On waste management ”.
The document establishes the procedure for the collection, removal and treatment of waste, ensures the introduction of their separate collection and recycling, provides for the requirements for the quality of the provision of waste management services and the charging of fees for such a service.

Early barriers involved reluctant consumer compliance and coordination difficulties between stakeholders, but success came from strong legal mandates, incentives such as deposit-refund systems for beverage containers, and consistent public awareness campaigns.

Taiwan’s experience illustrates how systemic collaboration and government facilitation of infrastructure and education can overcome behavioral and logistical challenges .

Singapore achieved a national recycling rate of 51.7% in 2020, remarkable given its dense population and limited land.

The government enforces strict regulations with fines for littering and improper waste disposal, coupled with a mandatory waste segregation policy in public facilities and residential blocks.

Singapore heavily invests in centralized waste processing including incineration facilities that recover energy, reducing landfill dependency to less than 3% of total waste generated.

Title:

Content: Chairman of the Board of Directors and Editors
I'm sorry.
Mohamad Elbaz
Editor-in-Chief
Wael Lotfy
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Editors
I'm sorry.
Mohamad Elbaz
Editor-in-Chief
Wael Lotfy
Waste Recycling is an environmental commitment to reduce harmful emissions and a huge economic return
The State is moving to implement waste recycling projects, in order to emphasize its role in the task of environmental commitment, as it is keen to reduce the negative effects and harmful emissions caused by the accumulation of waste.
In this regard, Ahmed Saeed, head of the waste system at the Ministry of Local Development, said that the state is seeking to achieve participatory action under the umbrella of the political leadership and with the approval of the Council of Ministers in waste recycling projects, with a total of about 12 billion pounds investments in the new waste system.
Hamdi Arafa, a local development expert and consultant to international municipalities, says that recycling and reuse of waste is one of the largest national projects, pointing out that the return from these projects is very huge.
Arafa pointed out that the experiences of the major industrial countries in the waste recycling project, as China is at the forefront of those countries that recycle garbage and waste again, pointing out that the projects of lining the canals contributed to reducing pollution significantly, as part of the efforts of the Ministry of Local Development, more than 4,000 kilometers of canals have been lined in strategic partnership with the governorates of the Republic and the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.
The local development expert stressed that Egypt is now moving to implement waste recycling projects, especially as these projects provide a huge material return to the national economy.
The integrated solid waste management system included reducing pollution and heat emissions in addition to launching infrastructure development in the solid waste monitoring system, closing random landfills, establishing waste collection stations from neighborhoods with a total of 94 stations and establishing sanitary landfill cells, and silos to recycle waste and produce electricity.
Magdi Allam, an environmental expert, says that waste recycling projects have more than one dimension, for example, on the environmental side, they reduce pollution and the risk of spreading diseases and other damages that result from the accumulation of waste.
From an economic point of view, Allam explains that waste recycling needs a strong and equipped infrastructure to implement such projects, in order to achieve the desired goal of economic return.
It is noteworthy that 94 intermediate stations have been established to collect waste from neighborhoods, in addition to the establishment of safe sanitary burial cells in 27 governorates estimated at 52 cells, as well as the establishment of solid waste recycling plants to reach the production of electric energy and improved organic fertilizer to be used in land reclamation and the production of fuel that replaces coal in many industries such as cement industry. Spokesman for the Ministry of Local Development.
According to the Ministry of Local Development, over the past two and a half years, accumulations of nearly 50 million tons have been lifted, with 45 million Egyptian citizens benefiting from this as a final result, and these investments are estimated at 12 billion Egyptian pounds.

Public campaigns such as the Keep Clean Singapore Movement run extensive education initiatives, engaging schools, workplaces, and community groups to encourage sorting at source.

Some barriers encountered include public resistance to mandatory segregation, mitigated by phased implementation, subsidies for recycling bins, and cooperation agreements with private waste management companies.

The government’s direct involvement in infrastructure development and public behavior change initiatives highlights the importance of coordinated leadership .

Belgium exemplifies European success with recycling rates reaching 91% for sorted waste.

It employs extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes that hold manufacturers accountable for packaging waste collection and recycling, incorporating eco-modulation fees to incentivize sustainable packaging design.

Government authorities enforce strict segregation rules and conduct robust inspection and penalty regimes to ensure compliance by businesses and households.

Public engagement campaigns, such as "Recycle Today for a Better Tomorrow," use media outreach, local workshops, and school programs to instill a culture of recycling.

Implementation challenges included ensuring widespread compliance by small businesses and rural households.

Belgium overcame these through decentralized municipal collection systems supported by state funding and cooperative governance models involving producers, municipalities, and the public .

Ukraine is progressively adopting Finland’s leading waste management standards, targeting a recycling rate of up to 99% as achieved by Finland.

Ukraine has legislated the introduction of separate household waste collection systems in over 1,700 settlements and initiated service fee structures that charge customers based on waste volume to incentivize separation and reduction.

The government actively promotes public awareness campaigns such as "Sort It Right,” which includes televised advertisements, community workshops, and school-based educational modules.

Initial hurdles included infrastructural deficits, limited recycling market development, and low public familiarity with sorting rules.

These barriers are being addressed through partnerships with international organizations, investment in new recycling facilities, and comprehensive training programs for municipal workers and residents.

Government coordination has been key in funding, legislation, and piloting separate waste collection projects .

Russia’s nationwide environmental operator has advanced a fractional waste sorting program across 61 regions aimed at transitioning to a closed-loop economy.

Title:

Content: Posted Today, 13: 34
Published Today, 13: 34
Modified Today, 13: 34
Updated Today, 13: 34
REO released an album of the best practices of separate accumulation of MSW
11 January 2024, 13: 34
Photo: 1MI
The Russian environmental operator presented an album with the most effective practices of separate waste collection, including municipal solid waste (MSW).
This album will help the regions improve their waste management systems.
The head of the Russian environmental operator Denis Butsaev noted that the promotion of separate waste collection is an important factor for the development of the industry of handling MSW and the formation of a closed cycle economy, according to 56orb.ru.
It is with the separate collection of waste that the entire technological chain begins to be built.
However, it is necessary to ensure the convenience and accessibility of separate collection for the population.
It is for this purpose that the Russian environmental operator has developed an album, which is dedicated to fractional separate collection as a further vector of development of the closed cycle economy.
The album contains the experience of various organizations, which will help many to understand how to build a comprehensive waste management system.
Butsaev also noted that the creation of the album was due to requests from the regions.
The album presents information about Russian manufacturers of equipment for separate collection of waste, including special containers and grids, modules, smart reception points, fandomats, boxes and urns.
In addition, the album reflects the practices of separate collection of other types of waste, in addition to MSW, which are accumulated by citizens.
The Director General of the Russian environmental operator noted that dual separate collection of waste - the separation of garbage into two streams - is the first good step to solving the problem of waste, which is already successfully practiced in 61 regions of the Russian Federation.
However, a significant part of the waste of the population can not be processed with the use of dual collection.
For example, textile waste and waste paper are no longer recyclable after pollution, and cullet is lost during sorting and sent to landfills.
Therefore, the main focus of the album is on the experience of fractional separate waste collection.
The album contains a selection of the most effective practices of 18 regional operators and presents various forms of separate collection of secondary resources: stationary containers, modules at container sites, eco-points and regular promotions.
Also, the album describes information and educational activities, there is data on the collection of secondary resources to assess the effectiveness of various approaches.

The program encourages dual separate waste collection focusing on dry recyclables and organic waste.

The government has installed over 40,000 smart containers and waste collection modules, integrating data monitoring to optimize collection routes and improve sorting accuracy.

Public engagement strategies include online platforms that reward responsible disposal behaviors and informational campaigns via social media, television, and municipal events.

Challenges persist with certain waste streams such as contaminated textiles and paper, alongside varied regional compliance levels.

To mitigate these, the government emphasizes ongoing education, flexible policy adaptations, and incremental expansion of collection infrastructure, complementing enforcement policies .

Hong Kong currently experiences low recycling rates estimated around 30%, hindered by fragmented policies, high local production costs for recycled materials, and limited enforcement mechanisms.

Recently introduced legislation incorporates “polluter pays” principles mandating waste charging through a municipal solid waste charging policy, requiring residents to buy designated garbage bags or pay fees based on waste weight.

A forthcoming Producer Responsibility Scheme (PRS) will hold manufacturers financially responsible for plastic waste management.

Comparison with neighboring regions reveals disparities — South Korea achieves plastic recycling rates exceeding 80%, and Nordic countries range between 80-90%.

Hong Kong faces barriers including low public acceptance, insufficient recycling infrastructure, and limited economic incentives for industry participation.

The government is intensifying educational campaigns, including “Plastic Smart” public outreach and school programs, and plans a phased implementation timetable to address behavioral and structural challenges .

Egypt’s government-led initiatives showcase a large-scale investment of approximately 12 billion Egyptian pounds targeting waste recycling infrastructure improvements.

The recycling rate remains under 20% but is on an upward trajectory due to newly established sanitary landfill cells, waste sorting plants, and recycling facilities that partly convert waste to energy and organic fertilizers.

Extensive political support facilitates project financing and coordination with private sector partners.

Egypt’s initiatives focus on basic waste collection accessibility and are coupled with public awareness efforts such as national campaigns promoting clean canals and reduced pollution.

Key challenges include informal sector integration, limited technical capabilities, and public participation, which are addressed through training programs, pilot projects, and awareness drives .

In summary, across these diverse international contexts, successful waste sorting and recycling systems share several critical elements:

First, robust government leadership underpins success.

Governments enforce comprehensive legislation, provide infrastructure funding, and execute monitoring and penalty mechanisms to maintain system integrity.

This leadership role is critical in ensuring stakeholder accountability and sustaining program momentum.

Second, economic incentives and disincentives—such as pay-as-you-throw systems, waste levies, and extended producer responsibility—drive behavioral change across households, manufacturers, and waste handlers.

These mechanisms align financial accountability with environmental goals.

Third, inclusive multi-stakeholder participation frameworks promote shared responsibility.

Programs that engage manufacturers, consumers, recycling enterprises, and governments in financial and operational roles align interests and improve efficiency.

Fourth, substantial investment in professional and centralized waste infrastructure—smart collection bins, dedicated vehicles, sorting plants—is essential to manage volumes and maintain material quality for recycling.

Gradual enforcement introduction and pilot programs build capacity and public cooperation.


Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia unfolded amid escalating US-Russia tensions due to the Ukraine conflict.

On February 17, 2022, Griner, a prominent WNBA and Olympic basketball star, was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport for possession of vape cartridges containing cannabis oil.

She pleaded guilty to drug smuggling charges in July, maintaining the possession was accidental.

In August, a Russian court sentenced her to nine years in a penal colony following a trial widely viewed as politically motivated.

Griner had been in Russia playing professionally during the WNBA offseason when detained.

Her case quickly became a flashpoint in diplomacy, with the U.S. labeling her “wrongfully detained,” while Russia denied political motives.

After months of sensitive negotiations amid the war in Ukraine, she was released on December 8, 2022, in a prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, a notorious Russian arms dealer.

The exchange, conducted in the UAE, drew mixed reactions concerning the ethics and politics of prisoner swaps, especially involving vastly different offenses.

Griner’s identity as a Black, queer female athlete heightened the case’s international and political complexities.

Advocacy from women’s, LGBTQ+, and sports communities spotlighted the unique vulnerabilities faced by marginalized athletes caught in geopolitical strife.

Her celebrity amplified attention but also underscored how sports figures can be leveraged as diplomatic pawns in global power struggles.

While incarcerated, Griner endured harsh conditions characteristic of Russia’s remote penal colonies: isolation, language barriers, and limited access to legal resources.

She and her legal team reported physical and emotional difficulties, with Griner striving to maintain her physical fitness and mental resilience despite the environment.

Her wife and advocates were cautious about public pressure potentially jeopardizing her situation, revealing the delicate balance in such high-profile cases.

Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia unfolded amid escalating US-Russia tensions due to the Ukraine conflict.

Title:

Content: - The Washington Times - Friday, July 1, 2022

As pressure mounts on President Biden to take more aggressive action to get Moscow to release jailed WNBA star Brittney Griner, the international chatter increasing points to a prisoner swap for convicted Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Russian media and Bout’s lawyer, Steve Zissou, say Russian officials want to secure Bout’s release and that Griner, who has been locked up in Russia since February, could be part of a deal.

“I would be surprised if any American was repatriated without Viktor Bout also being sent home to his family,” Zissou told The Washington Times.

Bout is serving a 25-year sentence in federal prison. He was convicted of conspiracy to kill U.S. citizens, delivering anti-aircraft missiles, and providing aid to a terrorist organization, charges his lawyer disputes.

Another detained American, former Marine Paul Whelan, who was arrested in Russia on espionage charges in 2018, could also be part of a prisoner swap for Bout.

Mr. Zissou said the deal would likely have to include Bout. The lawyer met last month with Russia’s ambassador to the U.S., Anatoly Antonov, who said that freeing Bout “was Russia’s number one priority,” according to Mr. Zissou.

Griner, meanwhile, made her first appearance in court on Friday and was accused of possessing “a significant amount of cannabis oil,” which is a banned substance in Russia. She faces likely conviction and a decade in prison when her trial resumes on July 7.

Griner, 31, was arrested at the airport in Moscow on Feb. 17 for allegedly carrying vape cartridges with hashish oil. She was visiting the country to play for a Russian basketball team after the conclusion of the WNBA season.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied Griner is being held as a political pawn, The Associated Press reported.

“The facts are that the famous athlete was detained in possession of prohibited medication containing narcotic substances,” Peskov told reporters on Friday. “In view of what I’ve said, it can’t be politically motivated.”

Still, Russia’s desire to free Bout complicates matters for Mr. Biden, who is weathering intense criticism for failing to secure the release of Griner, a center for the Phoenix Mercury and a two-time Olympic gold medalist.

Dozens of organizations, including women’s and LGBTQ groups, have pressed Mr. Biden to step up efforts to secure Griner’s release. They called on the president “to make a deal to get Brittney back home to America immediately and safely.”

While Bout’s lawyer disputes the charges against him, Bout was convicted of far more serious crimes than Griner’s drug charge, which could make it difficult for the Biden administration to agree to a swap.

Griner’s high-profile detainment comes at a historically difficult point in the diplomatic relationship between the U.S. and Russia. Griner was arrested just days before Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops to invade Ukraine on February 24.

The U.S. has condemned the invasion and responded by providing Ukraine with weapons and other support to defend itself from Mr. Putin’s forces.

With Griner in detention, Russian officials are now intensifying efforts to secure the release of Bout, whose targeting and conviction by the United States has long been viewed as an attack on Russian sovereignty.

Russian media is reporting that a swap for Bout is on the table.

“Currently, talks are underway on exchanging Bout for Griner,” Tass news reported, citing an unnamed Russian source.

Nicknamed the “Merchant of Death,” Bout was convicted in 2011 in a U.S. government sting operation of planning to smuggle arms to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The witnesses hired to portray FARC told Bout the arms would be used to target U.S. military serving in Colombia.

Bout, 55, is about five years from completing his sentence and is in failing health, his lawyer said.

Mr. Zissou said he is trying to elevate the circumstances surrounding his client’s case to improve his appeal as a candidate for a prisoner swap.

The U.S. targeted Bout while he was living in Moscow and retired from running an air transport company that also smuggled arms from one country to another.

The U.S. government paid more than $10 million to criminals as part of the operation to catch Bout.

“Entrapment is exactly what happened,” Mr. Zissou said.

Mr. Zissou said exchanging Griner for Bout is “a no brainer,” because his client will be freed in a few years regardless.

Last week, Russian officials extended Griner’s pretrial detention by six months. With Russia’s acquittal rate in criminal cases at less than 1%, it’s unlikely she will be able to return to the U.S. without a prisoner exchange.

Pressure is also on Mr. Biden to also secure the release of Mr. Whelan, 52, who is serving a 16-year sentence in a Russian prison camp.

“It’s certainly conceivable that a swap for Whelan and Bout gets agreed to, and then at the end of Griner’s trial, if she’s convicted, she just gets pardoned and sent home,” Mr. Zissou said.

In a statement provided to The Times, the State Department declined to provide details about the talks to free Griner.

“We have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas,” a State Department spokesman said. “The Department of State has determined that the Russian Federation has wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Brittney Griner. The U.S. government will continue to provide appropriate support to Griner and her family. We will continue to press for her release.”

• Susan Ferrechio can be reached at sferrechio@washingtontimes.com.

Copyright © 2022 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.

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On February 17, 2022, Griner, a prominent WNBA and Olympic basketball star, was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport for possession of vape cartridges containing cannabis oil.

Title:

Content: Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude
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Black News and Black Views with a Whole Lotta Attitude

Brittney Griner Is Ready to Tell Her ‘Unfathomable’ Story in New Memoir

The two-time Olympic gold medalist will finally tell the story of her Russian detainment.

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Ahead of her return to the WNBA, Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner has confirmed that she will tell the true story behind her wrongful detainment in Russia. According to The Associated Press, on Tuesday, the eight-time all-star announced that she is working on a memoir about her imprisonment. It is currently scheduled for release in spring 2024.

In February 2022, Griner was stopped in a Moscow airport when the police said they found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage. The WNBA champion was charged with drug smuggling and possession. After a short trial, the basketball star was found guilty and sentenced to nine years in prison. Just as she was beginning her sentence in a labor camp, in December 2022 the U.S. and Russia conducted a prisoner exchange, with Griner coming home, while convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout was released into Russian custody.

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“That day (in February) was the beginning of an unfathomable period in my life which only now am I ready to share,” Griner said in a statement released by Alfred A. Knopf.

When she was arrested, Griner was headed back to Russia to join UMMC Ekaterinburg, the professional team she played for there. Most top WNBA stars play overseas the rest of the year, as they don’t earn much money competing in the United States.

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“The primary reason I traveled back to Russia for work that day was because I wanted to make my wife, family, and teammates proud,” she said. “After an incredibly challenging 10 months in detainment, I am grateful to have been rescued and to be home. Readers will hear my story and understand why I’m so thankful for the outpouring of support from people across the world.”

The two-time Olympic gold medalist went on to say that she hopes “her book would raise awareness of other Americans detained overseas.” In December 2022, the Baylor alum announced on Instagram that she planned to play during the upcoming season, writing, “I also want to make one thing very clear: I intend to play basketball for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury this season, and in doing so, I look forward to being able to say ‘thank you’ to those of you who advocated, wrote, and posted for me in person soon.”

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In February, Griner re-signed with the Phoenix Mercury for a one-year deal. She will make her 2023 season debut on the road on Friday, May 19 against the Los Angeles Sparks.

She pleaded guilty to drug smuggling charges in July, maintaining the possession was accidental.

Title:

Content: Brittney Griner pleaded guilty in Russia to marijuana charges, so what happens next?

WNBA star Brittany Griner pleaded guilty Thursday to bringing cannabis-derived oil cartridges to Russia, saying she had done so by accident. The move was significant as it shed the first light on her defense team's strategy, and it could potentially pave the way for a prisoner swap with the U.S. or a pardon that could see Griner freed.

"We of course hope for the leniency of the court," the basketball player's Russian lawyer, Maria Blagovolina, was quoted as saying by local media on Thursday outside a Moscow courthouse. "Considering all the circumstances of the case and taking into account the personality of our client, we believe that the admission of guilt should certainly be taken into account."

From a procedural standpoint, under Russia's legal system a pardon or prisoner swap can only happen if the individual has already been convicted. Moscow is unlikely to respond to any of Washington's requests for Griner's release until she has formally been convicted.

Deputy Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Thursday that "there are no formal or procedural reasons to discuss further steps" until Griner's trial is concluded.

On Friday, Ryabkov indicated that Russia was interested in putting the ball in Washington's court — leaving the Biden administration to make an offer for a potential swap if the two sides can reach the stage of closed-door negotiations on an exchange.

"As for any exchange schemes, our position is the same: this needs to be done behind closed doors through the available channels," Ryabkov said.

Ryabkov signaled clearly that Moscow could be interested in negotiating a swap for notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, the so-called "Merchant of Death," who has been in U.S. custody since 2008.

"I'm not sure that any additional activity, especially in the public sphere, will help a correct, balanced compromise and find a basis to alleviate the fate of a lot of our compatriots such as Viktor Bout, who has health problems, [or] such as Seleznev, and many others," he said, referring to Roman Seleznev, who is serving a 27-year prison sentence in the U.S. on cyber-fraud charges.

U.S. officials have repeatedly referred to Griner as "wrongfully detained," a label the Kremlin said is not "helpful" in negotiations.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said Friday during an official visit to Indonesia that securing the release of Griner and another U.S. citizen, Paul Whelan, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison on espionage charges in Russia, was a "number one priority" for the Biden administration.

Asked about Ryabkov's remarks suggesting Griner's trial would have to play out before there was any further movement on a potential prisoner swap, Blinken told reporters he was "not going to engage in hypotheticals."

"We'll look for ways to engage and do everything we can to bring people home as quickly as we possibly can," he said.

Even though Griner has entered a guilty plea it could still take weeks or even months for the judge to issue a verdict in the case. Griner is expected to give testimony during the next hearing, which is scheduled for July 14.

The admission of guilt could play in Griner's favor in the long term, as it may lead to a shorter trial than would be expected if her legal team were to mount a fierce resistance to the charges. That was the case with another American, Trevor Reed, who was recently released in a swap for Russian pilot Konstantin Yaroshenko. After fighting the charges against him for nearly three years while he languished in a Russian prison, Reed was reportedly still made to sign a paper admitting his wrongdoing before he was released.

Possession and use of marijuana are illegal in Russia. Statistically, very few criminal cases end in acquittal in the Russian justice system.

If any negotiations on a potential prisoner swap fail — or fail to even materialize, given relations between Washington and Moscow are currently at or near an all-time low — pleading guilty and asking the court for mercy could at least see any sentence imposed on Griner shortened.

"We're still in a wait-and-see posture as to how the trial proceeds,"William Pomeranz, the acting director of the Wilson Center's Kennan Institute in Washington and an expert on Russian law, told CBS News on Thursday.

"I think she pled guilty mainly to throw herself on the mercy of the court and to plead for leniency," Pomeranz said. He's previously told news outlets that that is often the best strategy to adopt with Russia's courts.

"We'll have to see if she gets the maximum sentence. Clearly this case has now become a political case, and there are already discussions, allegedly, about having a plea agreement and a prisoner swap with a Russian prisoner for Brittney Griner," he said. "We need to basically see whether this prisoner swap is in the cards, because if she indeed wants to get home as fast as possible, it will be only if there is a swap between Russia and the United States."

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In August, a Russian court sentenced her to nine years in a penal colony following a trial widely viewed as politically motivated.

Title:

Content: Accessibility links

Breaking News

US Issues Dire Warning Against Russia on ‘Dirty Bomb’

U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price warned of the “profound nature of consequences” that would befall Russia if it uses a so called “dirty bomb” or any other nuclear weapon.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Monday that NATO allies rejected Russia's claims that Ukraine is preparing to use a dirty bomb on its own territory and added “Russia must not use it as a pretext for escalation."

Stoltenberg said he had a call with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his U.K. counterpart Ben Wallace on the matter Monday.
Western countries also accused Russia Monday of plotting to use a threat of a bomb laced with nuclear material as a pretext for escalation in Ukraine.

Moscow reiterated its claims, Monday, that it is Ukraine who is planning to detonate "a dirty bomb" — something Kyiv has strongly denied.

Russia plans to raise its claims against Ukraine at the United Nations Security Council Tuesday. It has told council counterparts it will bring up the issue during a closed-door meeting of the 15-member body, diplomats said.

Meanwhile, the head of Russia's nuclear, biological, and chemical protection troops, Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov, in a media briefing said Russian forces are "preparing to work under radioactive contamination."

Meanwhile, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi confirmed that “no undeclared nuclear activities or material were found” in Ukrainian nuclear locations.

“The IAEA inspected one of these locations one month ago and all our findings were consistent with Ukraine’s safeguards declarations,” said Director General Grossi.

Grossi confirmed that both locations are under IAEA safeguards and have been visited regularly by IAEA inspectors. He added that the IAEA received a written request from Ukraine today to send teams of inspectors to carry out verification activities at the two locations.
As Ukraine advances into Kherson, pressure is mounting for Russia, which told 60,000 people there "to save your lives" and flee a Ukrainian counteroffensive.

In calls with his French, British and Turkish counterparts Sunday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu discussed the "rapidly deteriorating situation," and leveled accusations that Ukraine is planning on using a "dirty bomb."

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of France, Britain and the United States said they had all rejected the allegations and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine against Russia."

Our countries made clear that we all reject Russia’s transparently false allegations that Ukraine [is] preparing to use a dirty bomb on its own territory," they said. "The world would see through any attempt to use this allegation as a pretext for escalation."

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, held a phone conversation with Russian General Valery Gerasimov, chief of the Russian General Staff, the defense ministry said in a statement. It also said both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining open channels of communication.

Ukraine has rejected Russian allegations that Ukrainian forces might detonate a radioactive device and accused Russia of planning to carry out such an act and blame it on Ukraine.

"Russian lies about Ukraine allegedly planning to use a 'dirty bomb' are as absurd as they are dangerous," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during his nightly address Sunday that Russia was the only one in the region capable of using nuclear weapons.

"If Russia calls and says that Ukraine is allegedly preparing something, it means one thing: Russia has already prepared all this," Zelenskyy said. "I believe that now the world should react in the toughest possible way."

Iran drones

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday, that Iran was making the world less safe by supplying Russia with drones to be used against targets in Ukraine.

"I think Iran is making a big mistake," Pelosi said after meeting Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. "First of all, we have to be able to counter the drones ... it is a dangerous technology, and it must be stopped," she said.

Pelosi arrived in Zagreb Monday to attend "The Crimea Platform Summit," on Ukraine’s independence and the return of the Crimean Peninsula to Kyiv since its annexation by Russia in 2014.

"We've been trying for a while now to have a nuclear agreement with Iran so that we can make the world a safer place and now they're going off aiding the Russians and making the world a less safe place," Pelosi said.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine entered its eighth month Monday.
Pelosi has been a strong supporter of providing aid and military assistance to the country since Russia invaded February 24.

Iran has denied supplying drones to Russia for use in Ukraine and condemned a call by Britain, France and Germany for the United Nations to investigate whether Russia used Iranian-made attack drones.

Iran will not remain indifferent if it is proven that its drones are being used by Russia in Ukraine, foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was reported as saying by Iranian state media Monday.

"If it is proven to us that Iranian drones are being used in the Ukraine war against people, we should not remain indifferent." He also said that the defense cooperation between Tehran and Moscow will continue.

Griner verdict

U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner "does not expect miracles" at her appeal hearing Tuesday against a nine-year Russian jail term for having cannabis oil in her luggage, her lawyers said in a statement.

The twice Olympic gold medalist was arrested Feb. 17 at a Moscow airport with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is banned in Russia. She was sentenced Aug. 4 to nine years in a penal colony on charges of possessing and smuggling drugs.

Griner's lawyers, Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov, said she would take part in Tuesday's hearing by video link from the detention center where she has been held, and that they expected a verdict the same day.

"She is very nervous waiting for the appeal hearing. Brittney does not expect any miracles to happen but hopes that the appeal court will hear the arguments of the defense and reduce the term," they said.

Griner pleaded guilty at her trial but said she had made an "honest mistake" and had not meant to break the law.

Washington says Griner was wrongfully detained and has offered to exchange her for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer serving a 25-year prison sentence in the United States.

Moscow has also suggested it is open to a prisoner swap.

Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.

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Griner had been in Russia playing professionally during the WNBA offseason when detained.

Her case quickly became a flashpoint in diplomacy, with the U.S. labeling her “wrongfully detained,” while Russia denied political motives.

After months of sensitive negotiations amid the war in Ukraine, she was released on December 8, 2022, in a prisoner swap for Viktor Bout, a notorious Russian arms dealer.

The exchange, conducted in the UAE, drew mixed reactions concerning the ethics and politics of prisoner swaps, especially involving vastly different offenses.

Title:

Content: Global RiskNews Briefs

Russia frees US basketball star in swap with arms dealer Bout

The US and Russia have exchanged US basketball star Brittney Griner for arms dealer Viktor Bout in a prison swap. The arms dealer had been held in an American prison for 12 years. Brittney Griner is on a plane back to the United States.

Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February for possessing cannabis oil and was sent to a penal colony last month. A prisoner exchange was proposed by the US in July. As part of the prisoner exchange, US President Joe Biden signed the order to release Bout, commuting his 25 year jail term.

Read More: Russia frees US basketball star in swap with arms dealer Bout

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Griner’s identity as a Black, queer female athlete heightened the case’s international and political complexities.

Advocacy from women’s, LGBTQ+, and sports communities spotlighted the unique vulnerabilities faced by marginalized athletes caught in geopolitical strife.

Her celebrity amplified attention but also underscored how sports figures can be leveraged as diplomatic pawns in global power struggles.

Title:

Content: Breaking

WNBA Star Brittney Griner Released From Russian Captivity in Prisoner Swap

Months after being sentenced to 9 years in prison, WNBA star Brittney Griner was released from Russian detention and is "on her way home," President Joe Biden shared on Dec. 8.

By Jess Cohen, Emlyn Travis Dec 08, 2022 1:33 PMTags
Watch: Brittney Griner: Russia Ready to Discuss Prisoner Swap

After months of heartache, Brittney Griner is officially free.

The WNBA star has been released after 294 days in Russian captivity, a senior administration official announced on Dec. 8. Griner—who was found guilty on drug charges by a Russian court and sentenced to 9 years in prison in August—was traded for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who was 11 years into a 25 year sentence.

Per the official, President Joe Biden signed off on the trade, which took place in the UAE. American businessman Paul Whelan was not included in the deal.

"Moments ago I spoke to Brittney Griner," the president tweeted Dec. 8 alongside photos of Brittney's wife Cherelle Griner and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House. "She is safe. She is on a plane. She is on her way home."

This news comes nearly a year after the Phoenix Mercury center, who plays for a Russian team during the off-season, was arrested at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport for allegedly possessing vape cartridges that contained cannabis oil in her luggage.

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She was later charged with smuggling of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their precursors or analogues, and with illegal acquisition, storage, transportation, manufacture, processing of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues. During her trial on July 7, Brittney pled guilty to all of the charges but said that she did not act deliberately.

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"My parents taught me two important things," Brittney told the court through tears following closing arguments on Aug. 4. "Take ownership for your responsibilities and work hard for everything that you have. That's why I plead guilty to my charges. I understand the charges against me. I had no intent to break any Russian laws. I want the courts to understand it was an honest mistake."

She continued, "I never meant to hurt anybody. I never meant to break any Russian laws. I made an honest mistake and I hope that in your ruling that it doesn't end my life here."

Brittney had previously testified that she was legally prescribed medical marijuana by a doctor in the United States. She said she was going through airport security when a member of staff asked her to open her bag, which led to the discovery of the cartridges, per NBC News. After signing documents that she wasn't able to understand without Google Translate, the basketball player was able to call a lawyer before her phone was confiscated.

"At that point it felt like I was being held against my will," she said, according to the outlet. "I asked again what's going on and when can I see my lawyer. I was then told I have to be interrogated."

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Brittney's legal team later told E! News in a statement that they were "very disappointed" by the court's decision and planned to file an appeal.

"As legal professionals, we believe that the court should be fair to everyone regardless of nationality," they shared. "The court completely ignored all the evidence of the defense, and most importantly, the guilty plea. This contradicts the existing legal practice. Taking into account the amount of the substance (not to mention the defects of the expertise) and the plea, the verdict is absolutely unreasonable. We will certainly file an appeal."

Biden also shared his disappointment. "Russia is wrongfully detaining Brittney," he said in a statement. "It's unacceptable, and I call on Russia to release her immediately so she can be with her wife, loved ones, friends, and teammates."

The president kept in touch with Brittney and wrote her a letter shortly after the athlete sent an open letter to the White House, which arrived on July 4.

During a July 28 press conference, Secretary of State Antony Blinken shared that the administration had "put a substantial proposal on the table weeks ago to facilitate" the release of Brittney and Whelan, per NBC News. "Our governments have communicated repeatedly and directly on that proposal, and I'll use the conversation to follow up personally and, I hope, move us toward a resolution."

Throughout her time in prison, Brittney has received steadfast support from her wife Cherelle as well as fellow athletes including Stephen Curry, Megan Rapinoe and more.

"I have to walk the fine line of harm versus help when it comes to my wife right now," Cherelle told CBS Mornings on July 5. "So, as much as I want to advocate for her and push for our governments to do everything, I also have to take into account that she's in a position where she could be harmed also, by any and everything I do, and so, it's a thin line to walk."

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While incarcerated, Griner endured harsh conditions characteristic of Russia’s remote penal colonies: isolation, language barriers, and limited access to legal resources.

She and her legal team reported physical and emotional difficulties, with Griner striving to maintain her physical fitness and mental resilience despite the environment.

Her wife and advocates were cautious about public pressure potentially jeopardizing her situation, revealing the delicate balance in such high-profile cases.