Indonesia returns containers of waste to France, Hong Kong

Indonesia has returned seven shipping containers of illegally imported waste to France and Hong Kong.

Customs officials on Batam Island near Singapore said the containers were loaded with a combination of garbage, plastic waste and hazardous materials in violation of import rules.

Head of local custom office in Indonesia, Susila Brata, revealed that the containers left on Monday and some officials were there to see the ship depart.

Earlier, customs spokesman Sumarna told newsmen that five containers were destined for Hong Kong and two were headed back to France.

Authorities were still waiting for clearance to return another 42 containers of waste at the port, including shipments from the United States, Australia, and Germany.