Import ban and clean air: estimating the effect of China's waste import ban on ozone pollution

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the effects of the ban on imports of plastic waste on local air quality in China. Using city-level daily ozone concentrations, we examine whether the pollution levels differ after the implementation of the import ban. The results demonstrate that the daily ozone concentration was reduced by 2.8% in treatment areas after the import ban. Additional analyses also suggest that the effect of the ban was larger during the later period and in coastal cities with ports while the effect of the ban might get weak in the long run. These findings highlight the effectiveness of policies that reduce the availability of inputs for pollutive activities.