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How to detect illegal waste shipments? The case of the international trade in polyethylene waste

Author

Listed:
  • Rosanna Pittiglio

    (University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli")

  • Filippo Reganati

    (Rome - Sapienza University)

  • Luca Toschi

    (Rome - Sapienza University)

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to provide a methodological framework that is able to enhance our capability to detect illegal waste shipment with particular reference to waste plastics. Based on a very large cross-sectional dataset covering 187 countries over the period 2002-2012, our study aims to do this by using both the mirror statistics method and the network analysis. Specifically, by using mirror statistics, we identify the existence of a set of “suspicious†trade relations between pairs of countries. Then, we employ social network analysis in order to define the position of each country in this illegal trade structure, and to have a clear exposition of the connections between them. Our main findings reveal the central positions of the USA, Germany and the UK as sources and China and Malaysia as outlets of illegal shipments of waste plastics. Moreover, our methodology allows us to highlight the presence of other countries, which carry out an intermediary role within the global trade network, and to detect the changes in traditional illegal shipment routes. Therefore, this paper shows how social network analysis provides a useful instrument by means of which crime analysts and police detectives can develop effective strategies to interdict criminal activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosanna Pittiglio & Filippo Reganati & Luca Toschi, 2017. "How to detect illegal waste shipments? The case of the international trade in polyethylene waste," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 37(4), pages 2625-2640.
    • Handle: RePEc:ebl:ecbull:eb-17-00361
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Carmen Callao & M. Pilar Latorre & Margarita Martinez-Núñez, 2021. "Understanding Hazardous Waste Exports for Disposal in Europe: A Contribution to Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-14, August.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Waste plastics; illegal trade; network analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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