![Major merchandise ports [and likely waste transit points]](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/495/32362935125_e7afae6266_z.jpg "Major merchandise ports [and likely waste transit points]")
Major merchandise ports [and likely waste transit points]
Description
Unscrupulous waste trade became a serious concern in the 1980s due to three converging factors: increasing amounts of hazardous waste; inadequate processing plants; and stricter regulations in the developed world with growing environmental awareness. Managing special waste streams properly became expensive, apparently too costly for some. Filthy shipments started travelling round the world.