Introduction to Basel Convention ACME Applying CLEANER PRODUCTION to MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS Introduction to Basel Convention SESSION 7 United Nations Environment Program Division of Technology Industry and Economy Swedish International Development Agency

OUTLINE Objectives of this session 1/ Introduction 2/ Basel Convention > What global problem was BC originally designed to address? 2/ Basel Convention > What are the objectives of BC and how is it organised? 3/ Waste types covered by Basel Convention > What is the classification of those wastes? 4/ Implementation > How is it implemented at global and national level? 5/ Affiliated instruments > What are the 3 affiliated instruments? 6/ CP and Basel Convention > What are the link between CP and Basel Convention? Slide 2 – Objectives of the module At the end of this session you should be familiar with the Basel convention and its function, what kind of activities and waste materials it covers, and what the impact of the convention has been to date. You should also understand how CP is relevant to the convention and how CP can b used as a tool for the implementation of the Basel convention. Comments: What global problem was the Basel Convention originally designed to address? The uncontrolled movement and dumping of hazardous wastes, including incidents of illegal dumping in developing nations by companies from developed countries. Why is hazardous waste a problem? When it is dumped indiscriminately, spilled accidentally or managed improperly, it can cause severe health problems, even death, and poison water and land for decades. What is the Basel Convention? A global agreement, ratified by several member countries and the European Union (see Status of Ratification), for addressing the problems and challenges posed by hazardous waste. The Secretariat, in Geneva, Switzerland, facilitates the implementation of the Convention and related agreements. It also provides assistance and guidelines on legal and technical issues, gathers statistical data, and conducts training on the proper management of hazardous waste. The Secretariat is administered by UNEP. What are the key objectives of the Basel Convention? - to minimize the generation of hazardous wastes in terms of quantity and hazardousness; - to dispose of them as close to the source of generation as possible; - to reduce the movement of hazardous wastes. ACME - Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 2 / 22

“Thousands flee Cambodia dump scare” INTRODUCTION A critical problema “Thousands flee Cambodia dump scare” Thousands of people living in the southern province of Sihanoukville have been fleeing the area amid growing alarm at the possible health risks from 3,000 tons of suspected toxic waste from Taiwan. Slide 3 – A critical problem An example of what irresponsible handling of hazardous waste may lead to. Thousands flee Cambodia dump scare (BBC news: Tuesday, December 22, 1998 ) Thousands of people living in the southern province of Sihanoukville have been fleeing the area amid growing alarm at the possible health risks from 3,000 tons of suspected toxic waste from Taiwan. Sihanoukville's police commissioner said that around 30% of people living in the province have already left. On Monday four people were killed and 13 injured in car crashes as they fled the coastal town in heavy rain. There have been public appeals for calmThe waste, which was found dumped earlier this month at a site 10 kilometres from the main coastal town, had been labelled as cement material. The Taiwanese petro-chemical company, Formosa Plastics, later confirmed that it had imported the waste, which contained traces of mercury certified as non-toxic. Deputy Prime Minister Sar Kheng said that he believed the hazard from the waste was limited. Several officials involved in the shipment have been suspended, he said. A cleanup involving hundreds of soldiers and expected to last 10 days is to start on Wednesday. Despite public calls for calm, the mood of anger which led to riots at the weekend leaving one person dead, has now given way to panic and alarm. Health officials said at least two people have died and five are being treated in hospital since the waste arrived earlier this month. Schools in the main seaside town were closed for a second day running as were many government offices. Cambodia's Environment Minister Mok Maret, said he had appealed on local television for people to stay calm, explaining that any harmful effects from the waste would be limited to the area in which it was dumped. However, officials in the town said that many residents had brought sacks of the waste to their homes using it to mix with cement and building materials. Water danger The waste was later dumped in streets and near water supplies when people realised that the material could be dangerous. The head of the town's water supply authority said water samples had now been sent to Phnom Penh for testing. Work is now beginning at the dump site to pack the waste into containers ready to ship it back to Taiwan. Cambodia's acting Head of State, Prince Norodom Ranariddh, said he had been told that three million dollars may have been paid in bribes to officials to import the waste. He said that the culprits would be punished and made clear that Cambodia would not allow itself to be used as a dump for other countries waste. BBC News, December 22th, 1998 ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 3 / 22

INTRODUCTION Historical background In the late 1980s, a tightening of environmental regulations in industrialized countries led to a dramatic rise in the cost of hazardous waste disposal. Searching for cheaper ways to get rid of the wastes, “toxic traders” began shipping hazardous waste to Developing Countries and to Eastern Europe. When this activity was revealed, international outrage led to the drafting and adoption of the Basel Convention. Slide 4 – Historical background In the late 1980s, a tightening of environmental regulations in industrialized countries led to a dramatic rise in the cost of hazardous waste disposal. Searching for cheaper ways to get rid of the wastes, “toxic traders” began shipping hazardous waste to developing countries and to Eastern Europe. When this activity was revealed, international outrage led to the drafting and adoption of the Basel Convention. During its first Decade (1989-1999), the Convention was primarily focused on setting up a framework for controlling the “transboundary” movements of hazardous wastes, that is, the movement of hazardous wastes across international frontiers. It also developed the criteria for “environmentally sound management”. A Control System, based on prior written notification, was also put into place. About the Present Decade During The Present Decade (2000-2010), the Convention will build on this framework by emphasizing full implementation and enforcement of treaty commitments. The other area of focus will be the minimization of hazardous waste generation. Recognizing that the long-term solution to the stockpiling of hazardous wastes is a reduction in the generation of those wastes - both in terms of quantity and hazardousness - Ministers meeting in December of 1999 set out guidelines for the Convention’s activities during the Next Decade, including: - active promotion and use of cleaner technologies and production methods; - further reduction of the movement of hazardous and other wastes; - the prevention and monitoring of illegal traffic; - improvement of institutional and technical capabilities -through technology when appropriate - especially for developing countries and countries with economies in transition; - further development of regional and sub-regional centers for training and technology transfer. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 4 / 22

INTRODUCTION What makes a waste hazardous? 4 main characteristics of hazardous wastes IGNITABILITY REACTIVITY CORROSIVITY TOXICITY Slide 5 – What makes a waste hazardous? Industrialization has brought us the benefits of a comfortable modern lifestyle: health-giving pharmaceuticals, labour-saving household appliances, automobiles and ships, paints and detergents, synthetic fibres and polythene packaging, personal computers and TVs, just to name a few out of an endless list of manufactured goods. However, behind the luxury and convenience of modern living lies the real price of this industrial production – the generation of hundreds of million tonnes of hazardous waste every year. Wastes that too often pour out of smokestacks and outtake pipes, lie abandoned in dumps or leaky storage drums, or are shipped off illegally to distant places, exposing local communities to great dangers. Four defining characteristics of hazardous waste are: Ignitability. Ignitable wastes can create fires under certain conditions or are spontaneously combustible. Examples include waste oils and used solvents. Corrosivity. Corrosive wastes are acids or bases that are capable of corroding metal, like storage tanks, containers, drums, and barrels. Battery acid is a good example. Reactivity. Reactive wastes are unstable under “normal” conditions. They can cause explosions, toxic fumes, gases, or vapors when mixed with water. Examples include lithium-sulfur batteries and explosives. Toxicity. Toxic wastes are harmful or fatal when ingested or absorbed. When toxic wastes are disposed of on land, contaminated liquid may drain (leach) from the waste and pollute ground water. Certain chemical wastes and heavy metals are examples of potential toxic wastes. Different shapes and forms > liquids, solids, contained gases, sludge, etc. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 5 / 22

INTRODUCTION Wastes generated worldwide in 2000 2% exported 300 millions tones of wastes generated 90% classified as hazardous Slide 6 – Wastes generated worldwide in 2000 More than 300 million tones of waste (including hazardous and other waste) were generated worldwide in 2000. Less that 2% was exported. However 90% of the exported waste was classified as hazardous. The principal waste export by volume was lead and lead compounds bound for recycling. The worldwide increase in the use of electronic equipment, notably PC and mobile phones, is also seen as a major cause for a predicted future increase in the amount of hazardous waste generated. Only in China, an estimate 250 million mobile phones will be purchased in 2006. Note: The principal waste exported by volume was lead and lead compounds bound for recycling. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 6 / 22

BASEL CONVENTION Overview of the Basel Convention A global legal instrument on “the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and on their disposal”. Adopted in 1989, entered into force in 1992. Status of participation (2006): 168 Parties. Affiliated instruments: > Basel Ban (1995) > Liability Protocol (1995) > Environmentally Sound Management (1999) Slide 7 – Overview of the Basel Convention This is the “short and easy” summary of the Basel Convention: It is an international agreement to restrict and control international transport of hazardous waste. There are three instruments that have been added to the convention: The Basel ban, the Liability Protocol, and Environmentally Sound Management. The two first ones carries more stringent requirements but are as yet not in effect (more about this in the following slides) ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 7 / 22

BASEL CONVENTION 168 Parties to the Basel Convention Slide 8 – 168 Parties to the Basel Convention Source: http://www.grid.unep.ch/wsis/ & http://geodata.grid.unep.ch The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal is the most comprehensive global environmental agreement on hazardous and other wastes. It aims to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects resulting from the generation, management, transboundary movements and disposal of hazardous and other wastes. The Basel Convention regulates the transboundary movements of hazardous and other wastes and obliges its Parties to ensure that such wastes are managed and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. The Convention covers toxic, poisonous, explosive, corrosive, flammable, eco-toxic and infectious wastes. Parties are also expected to minimize the quantities that are transported, to treat and dispose of wastes as close as possible to their place of generation and to prevent or minimize the generation of wastes at source. Parties * Non-parties * Afghanistan, Haiti and the United States have signed the Convention but have not yet ratified it. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 8 / 22

BASEL CONVENTION Overall goal and objectives What is the overall goal ? “To protect, by strict control, human health and the environment against the adverse effects which may result from the generation and management of hazardous wastes and other wastes. ” What are the further objectives ? 1/ To reduce transboundary movements of hazardous waste to a minimum consistent with their environmentally sound management; 2/ To dispose hazardous wastes as close as possible to their source of generation; 3/ To minimize the generation of hazardous waste in terms of quantity and hazardousness. Slide 9 – Overall goal and objectives This is the most well-known objective of the Basel Convention – often people believe the Basel Convention is limited to the first objective only. But in addition the Basel Convention not only focus on transboundary movements but stipulates the importance of dealing with the problem as close as possible to the source, so even avoid too much movements in a country (in order to minimize the risks of transportation). However, this is logically also depending on the most efficient scale of operation. And, very important to stipulate this, in the context of this training course, that the Convention, as one of its key objectives, from the start (!) already recognized the importance of prevention (CP). The Goal of Minimizing Hazardous Wastes A central goal of the Basel Convention is “environmentally sound management” (ESM), the aim of which is to protect human health and the environment by minimizing hazardous waste production whenever possible. ESM means addressing the issue through an “integrated life-cycle approach”, which involves strong controls from the generation of a hazardous waste to its storage, transport, treatment, reuse, recycling, recovery and final disposal. Many companies have already demonstrated that “cleaner production” methods which eliminate or reduce hazardous outputs can be both economically and environmentally efficient. The United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Division on Technology, Industry and Economics works to identify and disseminate “best practices” (http://www.unepie.org/) In the coming decade, more emphasis will be placed on creating partnerships with industry and research institutions to create innovative approaches to ESM. One of the most critical aspects of ESM is lowering demand for products and services that result in hazardous by-products. Consumers need to educate themselves as to the methods used in production processes and think about what they buy every day ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 9 / 22

WASTE COVERED BY BASEL Classification by characteristics 4 main characteristics of hazardous wastes: > Toxic > Corrosive > Reactive > Ignitable Basel Convention gives 13 characteristics: > Listed in Annex III; > Based on ADR rules (UN Committee on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road or Rail); > Represented as codes H1-H13. Excluded from the scope of the Convention are: > Radioactive waste > Waste derived from normal operation of a ship Slide 10 – Classification by hazardous characteristics The hazardous characteristics or properties of a waste can be used to classify it. The four main groups of hazardous waste properties are: · Toxic and eco-toxic · Corrosive · Ignitable · Reactive The UN Committee on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road or Rail (ADR) lists hazardous waste characteristics. Each hazard characteristic in the UN system is given a symbol which identifies it visually on a package. Based on this ADR list, the Basel Convention Annex III describes and codifies 13 characteristics, e.g. explosive, flammable, toxic. (The next slides give some brief examples of these characteristics.) An Overview of Compliance and Enforcement The Basel Convention contains specific provisions for the monitoring of implementation and compliance. A number of articles in the Convention oblige Parties (national governments which have acceded to the Convention) to take appropriate measures to implement and enforce its provisions, including measures to prevent and punish conduct in contravention of the Convention. The System that Controls the Movement of Hazardous Waste Because hazardous wastes pose such a potential threat to human health and the environment, one of the guiding principles of the Basel Convention is that, in order to minimize the threat, hazardous wastes should be dealt with as close to where they are produced as possible. Therefore, under the Convention, transboundary movements of hazardous wastes or other wastes can take place only upon prior written notification by the State of export to the competent authorities of the States of import and transit (if appropriate). Each shipment of hazardous waste or other waste must be accompanied by a movement document from the point at which a transboundary movement begins to the point of disposal. Hazardous waste shipments made without such documents are illegal. In addition, there are outright bans on the export of these wastes to certain countries. Transboundary movements can take place, however, if the state of export does not have the capability of managing or disposing of the hazardous waste in an environmentally sound manner. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 10 / 22

WASTE COVERED BY BASEL 1- Toxicity DEFINITION Toxic wastes are harmful or fatal when ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. EXAMPLES > Spent cyanide solutions > Waste pesticides Slide 11 – Toxic waste Toxic waste is harmful when ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Toxic waste disposed of on land may result in contaminated leachate. The leaching of toxic compounds or elements from landfills into groundwater is one of the most common ways in which the general population can be exposed to the chemicals found in industrial waste. In the US, the EPA has devised a toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) test to identify wastes likely to leach hazardous concentrations of toxic constituents. Using the test on a waste sample creates a liquid similar to the liquid the US EPA would expect to find in the ground near a landfill containing the same waste. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 11 / 22

WASTE COVERED BY BASEL 2- Corrosivity DEFINITION Acids or alkalis that are capable of dissolving human flesh and corroding metal such as storage tanks and drums. EXAMPLES > Acids from metals cleaning processes e.g. ferric chloride from printed circuit board manufacture; > Liquor from steel manufacture. Slide 12 – Corrosive waste Corrosive waste is acid or alkaline and can readily corrode or dissolve flesh, metal or other materials. They are also one of the most common hazardous waste streams. Wastes with a high or low pH can react dangerously with other wastes or cause toxic contaminants to migrate from certain wastes. Examples of corrosive wastes include acids from metals cleaning processes (eg ferric chloride from printed circuit board manufacture) and liquor from steel manufacture. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 12 / 22

WASTE COVERED BY BASEL 3- Ignitability DEFINITION Wastes that can cause fires under certain conditions or are spontaneously combustible. EXAMPLES > Waste oil > Used solvents > Organic cleaning materials > Paint waste Slide 13 – Flammable waste Ignitable waste materials are those that readily catch fire and sustain combustion. These could cause a fire during transport or storage of the waste, or after disposal. Examples of ignitable waste include waste oils, solvents, paints and cleaning materials. Many aerosol cans use butane as a propellant ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 13 / 22

WASTE COVERED BY BASEL 4- Reactivity DEFINITION Reactive wastes are unstable under ‘normal conditions’. They can cause: explosions, toxic fumes, gases or vapours. EXAMPLES > Peroxide solutions > Hypochlorite solutions or solids Slide 14 – Reactive waste Reactive wastes will readily explode or undergo violent reactions. Reactivity is an important characteristic of hazardous wastes because unstable wastes can pose a problem at any stage of the waste management life cycle. Examples of reactive wastes include discarded munitions and explosives. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 14 / 22

WASTE COVERED BY BASEL 5- Eco-toxicity DEFINITION Eco-toxic waste is harmful or fatal to other species or to the ecological integrity of their habitats. EXAMPLES > Heavy metals > Detergents > Oils > Soluble salts Slide 15 - Eco-toxic waste Animal and plant species can be much more sensitive to certain chemical substances or to conditions of pH than mammals (including humans). Some chemicals interfere with respiratory processes in fish or insects; they may mimic or interfere with hormone-driven processes; or be otherwise species-specific. Many lower species lack the detoxification processes that the mammalian liver provides to guard against harm. The high sensitivity of some fish like trout to toxins at levels far lower than human drinking water standards illustrates the importance of regarding eco-toxicity as an important separate issue. By implication, human toxicity standrads are not always appropriate when considering ecological problems. As well as the risk of eco-toxicity, waste may upset the normal ecological conditions - such as pH, salinity - and may result in ecological damage if they persist. Some substances such as oils and detergents that barely affect humans can nevertheless interfere with other species’ life processes including reproduction. Issues of bio-magnification along the food chain are just as important for other species as they are for human toxicity. Despite the importance of the above conderations, criteria, measurements and standards for exo-toxicity are not well developed, and are thus frequently discounted by regulators or waste operators. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 15 / 22

WASTE COVERED BY BASEL Waste classification by origin The Basel Convention’s list of hazardous waste categories (Y1 to Y18) identifies wastes from specific processes (Annex 1). Some example: Y1 - Clinical wastes : Y6 - Wastes from the production and use of organic solvents Y18 - Residues from industrial waste disposal operations Slide 16 - Waste classification by origin The Convention applies to all waste types that are listed in Annex I of the Convention. However, if they do not possess any of the 13 characteristics contained in Annex III they are excluded from the convention [art.1.1a of the Convention] Excluded from the scope: Radio-active wastes and Waste derived from normal operation of a ship. The full list in Annex I: Y1 Medical care in hospitals, medical centers and clinics Y2 Production and preparation of pharmaceutical products Y3 Pharmaceuticals, drugs and medicines Y4 Production, formulation and use of biocides and phyto-pharmaceuticals Y5 Manufacture, formulation and use of wood preserving chemicals Y6 Wastes from the production, formulation and use of organic solvents Y7 Heat treatment and tempering operations containing cyanides Y8 Waste mineral oils unfit for their originally intended use Y9 Waste oils/water, hydrocarbons/water mixtures, emulsions Y10 Waste substances and articles containing or contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and/or polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) and/or polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) Y11 Waste tarry residues arising from refining, distillation and any pyrolytic treatment Y12 Wastes from production, formulation and use of inks, dyes, pigments, paints, lacquers, varnish Y13 Wastes from production, formulation and use of resins, latex, plasticizers, glues/adhesives Y14 Waste chemical substances arising from research and development or teaching activities which are not identified and/or are new and whose effects on man and/or the environment are not known Y15 Wastes of an explosive nature not subject to other legislation Y16 Wastes from production, formulation and use of photographic chemicals and processing materials Y17 Wastes resulting from surface treatment of metals and plastics Y18 Residues arising from industrial waste disposal operations Annex III Y19 Metal carbonyls Y20 Beryllium; beryllium compounds Y21 Hexavalent chromium compounds Y22 Copper compounds Y23 Zinc compounds Y24 Arsenic; arsenic compounds Y25 Selenium; selenium compounds Y26 Cadmium; cadmium compounds Y27 Antimony; antimony compounds Y28 Tellurium; tellurium compounds Y29 Mercury; mercury compounds Y30 Thallium; thallium compounds Y31 Lead; lead compounds Y32 Inorganic fluorine compounds excluding calcium fluoride Y33 Inorganic cyanides Y34 Acidic solutions or acids in solid form Y35 Basic solutions or bases in solid form Y36 Asbestos (dust and fibres) Y37 Organic phosphorus compounds Y38 Organic cyanides Y39 Phenols; phenol compounds including chlorophenols Y40 Ethers Y41 Halogenated organic solvents Y42 Organic solvents excluding halogenated solvents Definition of other waste = waste categories contained in Annex II: Y46 Waste collected from households Y47 Residues arising from incineration of household wastes Note: Besides the official, international binding, definition of the Convention, countries themselves can adopt wider and stricter definitions. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 16 / 22

IMPLEMENTATION Milestones 1989 / 1999 - First decade achievements > Framework for controlling transboundary movements of hazardous wastes; > Control system (based on prior written notification); > Developed criteria for “Environmentally Sound Management” (ESM). 2000 / 2010 - Second decade priorities > Partnerships to increase co-operation and strategic alliances; > Environmentally sound management and active promotion and use of cleaner technologies and production methods; > Further reduction of the movement of hazardous and other wastes; > Prevention and monitoring of illegal traffic; > Improvement of institutional and technical capabilities especially for developing and EIT countries; > Further development of regional and sub-regional centres for training and technology transfer. Slide 17 – Status of Implementation of the Basel Convention This slide outlines what has been achieved in the Basel convention up to the year 2000, and what are the priorities for the Basel Convention for the current decade (2000 to 2010). It deserves to be noted again that prevention of generation of hazardous waste is a priority for the Convention. While the achievements of the Basel Convention to date are important, there is a wide agreement among parties to the Convention that the main bulk of work, to ensure the convention is widely implemented in all signature states, by and large still remains. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 17 / 22

IMPLEMENTATION Global level Conference of the Parties (COP) > Develops and keep under review the implementation of the Basel Convention Basel Secretariat > Co-operates with national authority in: - Developing national legislation - Setting up inventories of hazardous wastes - Strengthening national institutions - Assessing the HW management situation - Preparing HW management plans - Preparing policy tools > Assist countries with technical and legal advice 3 > Support Basel Convention Regional Centers Working groups & The Committee on Partnership with industry Slide 18 – Global level The main bodies of the Basel Convention are: The Conference of the Parties (COP): This is the main body of the Convention, where all signatories to the Convention meet regularly to review the progress of the implementation of the Convention, and to provide advice or make amendments to the Convention text as is necessary. The Basel Secretariat serves COP and is responsible for ensuring that communication among signatories and other related bodies/organizations is working properly, that meeting documents are prepared, that data collection is carried out and so on. In order to assist countries (as well as interested organizations, private companies, industry associations and other stakeholders) to manage or dispose of their wastes in an environmentally sound way, the Secretariat cooperates with national authorities in developing national legislation, setting up inventories of hazardous wastes, strengthening national institutions, assessing the hazardous waste management situation, and preparing hazardous waste management plans and policy tools. It also provides legal and technical advice to countries in order to solve specific problems related to the control and management of hazardous wastes. In the case of an emergency, such as a hazardous waste spill, the Secretariat cooperates with Parties and relevant international organizations to provide rapid assistance in the form of expertise and equipment. Basel Convention Working Groups: To address specific issues (data collection methodologies etc), working groups are established under the convention and normally reports directly to COP on the result of their work. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 18 / 22

IMPLEMENTATION National level National Focal Point > Entity of a Party to the Basel Convention for receiving and transmitting information as required by the Convention to and from the COP. National Competent Authority > One governmental authority designated by a Party, responsible for receiving the notifications of transboundary movements of waste. Basel Convention Regional Centers (BCRCs) > Assist developing countries and countries in transition through capacity-building for environmentally sound management, to achieve the fulfilment of the objectives of the Convention. Slide 19 – National level List of Basel Convention focal points: http://www.basel.int/about.html At the national and regional levels the following Basel Convention organizations normally exist: The National Focal Point: responsible for communication with the Convention including reporting on the generation and movement of hazardous waste (see below for further details). The National Competent Authority: responsible for handling information about transboundary waste (import, export and transit). This is often the ministry of environment or the customs department. The Basel Convention Regional Centers: An integral part of implementing the Basel Convention is building the capability to manage and dispose of hazardous waste. Through training and technology transfer, developing countries and countries with economies in transition gain the skills and tools necessary to properly manage their hazardous wastes. To this end, the Basel Convention has established Regional Centres for Training and Technology Transfer. The role of the centers is to help countries implement the Basel Convention. Important activities include providing guidance on technical and technological issues as well as advice on enforcement aspects of the Convention. The Centers also encourage the introduction of cleaner production technologies and the use of environmentally sound waste management practices. National Reporting of Hazardous Wastes Each country that is a Party to the Convention is required to report information on the generation and movement of hazardous wastes. Every year, a questionnaire is sent out to member countries, requesting information on the generation, export and import of hazardous wastes covered by the Convention. This information is reviewed and compiled by the Secretariat and is presented in an annual report, which includes statistical tables and graphic representations of the data. These documents are available at www.basel.int/ ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 19 / 22

IMPLEMENTATION Basel Convention Regional Centers 14 BCRCs worldwide Regional Centers for Training and Technology Transfers Slide 20 – Basel Convention Regional Centers The Basel Convention has established Regional Centers for Training and Technology Transfer in the following countries: Argentina, China, Egypt, El Salvador, Indonesia, Nigeria, Senegal, Slovak Republic, Russian Federation, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago and Uruguay. The description of the core functions of the Centers is as follows: 1. Training; 2. Technology transfer; 3. Information; 4. Consulting; 5. Awareness-raising. Their core functions are to: - Provide guidance on technical, technological and legal issues, as well as advice on enforcement aspects of the Basel Convention and related Conventions - Encourage the introduction of CP-technologies - Encourage the use of environmentally sound management practices - Enhancement of information exchange, education and awareness-raising The explanations of the core functions of the Centres are as follows: (a) Developing and conducting training programmes, workshops, seminars and associated projects in the field of the environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes, transfer of environmentally sound technology and minimization of the generation of hazardous wastes, with specific emphasis on training of trainers and the promotion of ratification and implementation of the Convention and its instruments; (b) Identifying, developing and strengthening mechanisms for the transfer of technology in the field of environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes or their minimization in the region; (c) Gathering, assessing and disseminating information in the field of hazardous wastes and other wastes to Parties of the region and to the secretariat; (d) Collecting information on new or proven environmentally sound technologies and know-how relating to environmentally sound management and minimization of the generation of hazardous wastes and other wastes and disseminating these to Parties of the region at their request; (e) Establishing and maintaining regular exchange of information relevant to the provisions of the Basel Convention, and networking at the national and regional levels; (f) Organizing meetings, symposiums and missions in the field, useful for carrying out these objectives in the region; (g) Providing assistance and advice to the Parties and non-parties of the region at their request, on matters relevant to the environmentally sound management or minimization of hazardous wastes, the implementation of the provisions of the Basel Convention and other related matters; (h) Promoting public awareness; (i) Encouraging the best approaches, practices and methodologies for environmentally sound management and minimization of the generation of hazardous wastes and other wastes, for example, through case studies and pilot projects; (j) Cooperating with the United Nations and its bodies, in particular the United Nations Environment Programme and the specialized agencies, and with other relevant intergovernmental organizations, industry and non-governmental organizations, and, where appropriate, with any other institution, in order to coordinate activities and develop and implement joint projects related to the provisions of the Basel Convention and develop synergies where appropriate with other multilateral environmental agreements; (k) Developing, within the general financial strategy approved by the Parties, the Centres' own strategy for financial sustainability; (l) Cooperating in mobilization of human, financial and material means in order to meet the urgent needs at the request of the Party(ies) of the region faced with incidents or accidents which cannot be solved with the means of the individual Party(ies) concerned; (m) Performing any other functions assigned to it by the decisions of the Conference of the Parties of the Basel Convention or by Parties of the region consistent with such decisions. Africa and West Asia 1/ BCRC for the Arab States in Egypt 2/ BCRC in Nigeria 3/ BCRC in Senegal 4/ BCRC in South Africa Asia and Pacific Region 5/ BCRC in China 6/ BCRC in Indonesia 7/ BCRC in the South Pacific region 8/ BCRC in Tehran Central and Eastern Europe 9/ BCRC in the Russian Federation 10/ BCRC in Slovakia Latin America and the Caribbean 11/ BCRC in Argentina 12/ BCRC in El Salvador 13/ BCRC in Trinidad and Tobago 14/ BCRC for Latin America and Caribbean region in Uruguay Core functions 1/ Training 2/ Technology transfer 3/ Information; 4/ Consulting 5/ Awareness-raising. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 20 / 22

AFFILIATED INSTRUMENTS Basel Ban (1) DEFINITION Amendment on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal. OBJECTIVES Ban exports of hazardous wastes for final disposal, recovery, or recycling from states listed in Annex VII (mainly OECD countries) to states not listed in Annex VII (mainly non-OECD countries). RATIFICATION STATUS > Not into force yet; 75% (=62) ratification needed to enter into force: present status 61. > Main argument for disagreement from opposing countries (such as Australia, USA, Canada): GATT-inconsistent and trade-disruptive). Slide 21 – Basel Ban (1) As mentioned earlier there are three major amendments that have been added to the Basel Convention after its adoption. One is the “Basel Ban”, prohibiting any export of hazardous waste from developed (Annex VII) countries to developing (non Annex VII countries) No binding international agreement has yet been reached as the ratification is not (yet) complete. However, many countries still apply this ban at the national level. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 21 / 22

AFFILIATED INSTRUMENTS Basel Ban (2) Slide 22 – Basel Ban (2) One reason for the Basel Ban amendment is that in spite of the Basel Convention, the transboundary movement of hazardous waste has increased significantly since the adoption of the Convention. Evolution of transboundary movements of waste among Parties to the Basel Convention The amount of waste on the move is increasing rapidly. Reports to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal suggest that between 1993 and 2001 (the Basel Convention came into force in 1992) the amount of waste crisscrossing the globe increased from 2 million tonnes to more than 8.5 million tonnes. What is this material that is being traded between countries, where is it from and where is it going? Unfortunately data on waste movements are incomplete – not all countries report waste movements to the Basel Convention. However, we do know that the movement of waste is big business. Transboundary movements of waste in 2000 Waste, including extremely hazardous waste like radioactive material, toxic heavy metals and poisonous PCBs are routinely being loaded into trucks, and transported across continents. Some is loaded onto ships and exported to other countries. Often the waste is being sent for recycling but some is just dumped. Between 1993 and 1999 122 countries reported nearly 30 000 waste exports. During this period Germany was the top exporter (nearly 7 million tonnes) and France was the leading importer (just over 3 million tonnes). ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 22/ 22

AFFILIATED INSTRUMENTS Liability Protocol DEFINITION Basel Protocol on liability and compensation for damage resulting from transboundary movements of hazardous waste and their disposal. OBJECTIVES Provide for a comprehensive regime for liability as well as adequate and prompt compensation for damage resulting from the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and other wastes, including incidents occurring because of illegal traffic. RATIFICATION STATUS > 20 ratifications needed to enter into force. > Not into force yet (13 signatories) Slide 23 – Liability Protocol The Basel Protocol on liability and compensation for damage resulting from transboundary movements of hazardous waste (also referred to as the “Liability Protocol” is the second of the amendments to the Basel Convention. The Liability protocol states that countries that suffer damage (health, environment etc) from hazardous waste that has been received, without the proper procedures under the Basel Convention, are entitled to compensation from the exporting country. As often is the case when an agreement may have economic consequences support is not forthcoming and as of 200, only a few parties to the Basel Convention have signed this amendment. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 23 / 22

AFFILIATED INSTRUMENTS Environmentally Sound Management Basel Ministerial Declaration on ESM of hazardous wastes “Take all practicable steps to ensure that hazardous waste or other waste is managed in a manner which will protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects which may result from such waste” (art. 2) Key principles > Special attention to prevention and minimisation of hazardous and other wastes (= CP mandate) > Requires capacity building, policy reforms and promotion and use of cleaner technologies and production methods. Slide 24 – Environmentally Sound Management Environmentally Sound management (ESM) means taking all practical steps to minimize the generation of hazardous wastes and strictly controlling its storage, transport, treatment, reuse, recycling, recovery and final disposal, the purpose of which is to protect human health and the environment. The Basel Ministerial Declaration on Environmentally Sound Management of Hazardous Wastes was adopted at the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-5 in Dec 1999). It outlines main areas of focus for activities under the convention in the period 2000 to 2010. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 24 / 22

CP & BASEL CONVENTION About industrials Why is there an interest for industry ? > Industry main producer of hazardous waste. > Directly confronted with legislation and regulations (storage, transport, disposal). > Co-responsibility for waste minimisation. > Can be win-win, e.g. not only cutting costs for removal but also preventing up-stream costs. Slide 25 – About industrials Industry is directly targeted by the requirements in the Basel convention. Several industrial processes are specifically mentioned in Annex III to the Convention, specifying sources for hazardous waste covered by the convention (see examples below). Industry is not only directly responsible for adhering to the convention’s requirements for transport of waste, but are often also targeted by national legislation and requirements that have been adopted in response to the convention. Clearly minimization of hazardous waste will in the end have to be carried out in industry, why industry will have an important role to play. However, reducing waste often also means improving efficiency of production processes, which also should generate economic advantages for the company. Therefore an active cooperation between government and industry can be a win-win approach. Examples of waste in Annex III, generated by industrial processes. Y2 Production and preparation of pharmaceutical products Y4 Production, formulation and use of biocides and phyto-pharmaceuticals Y5 Manufacture, formulation and use of wood preserving chemicals Y6 Wastes from the production, formulation and use of organic solvents Y7 Heat treatment and tempering operations containing cyanides Y8 Waste mineral oils unfit for their originally intended use Y9 Waste oils/water, hydrocarbons/water mixtures, emulsions Y11 Waste tarry residues arising from refining, distillation and any pyrolytic treatment Y12 Wastes from production, formulation and use of inks, dyes, pigments, paints, lacquers, varnish Y13 Wastes from production, formulation and use of resins, latex, plasticizers, glues/adhesives Y14 Waste chemical substances arising from research and development or teaching activities which are not identified and/or are new and whose effects on man and/or the environment are not known Y16 Wastes from production, formulation and use of photographic chemicals and processing materials Y17 Wastes resulting from surface treatment of metals and plastics Y18 Residues arising from industrial waste disposal operations ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 25 / 33

CP & BASEL CONVENTION Common industrial sources Flammable - solvents From chemical manufacturers, laundries & dry cleaners, metal plating, tanneries, print shops etc. Corrosive - acids and alkalis From cleaning & maintenance, equipment repair, vehicle body shops etc. Reactive - bleaches and oxidizers From chemical manufacturers, laboratories etc. Toxic and eco-toxic - heavy metals, pesticides, cyanides From metals manufacturing, photographic processing, pesticide end users etc. Slide 26 - Common industrial sources All countries, irrespective of their state of development and level of economic prosperity, generate some hazardous wastes. The largest quantity of hazardous waste generated has its origins in the chemical industry, but other industrial and non-industrial generators are also important. These range from heavy industry to commerce, agriculture and health care services to households. The slide shows some of the most common waste types and their sources. Discussion: Trainers could encourage discussion on the common sources and types of wastes in the local region. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 26 / 33

CP & BASEL CONVENTION Waste generating industries Large quantity generators > 1000kg /month e.g. pharmaceutical companies Medium quantity generators 100 - 1000kg/month e.g. laboratories, printers Small quantity generators <100kg/month e.g. dental surgeries, photographic processors Slide 27 - Waste generating industries Industrial and commercial hazardous waste generators include a large number of different types of facilities and businesses, ranging from large manufacturing operations, universities, and hospitals to small businesses and laboratories. These different types of facilities generate different volumes of waste resulting from the processes they use, and pose varying degrees of environmental risks. There are three main categories of industrial hazardous waste generators, although they are differently defined in different countries: Large quantity generators In the USA large quantity generators are defined as those facilities that generate hazardous wastes in quantities greater than 1000kg of hazardous waste per month or greater than 1kg of acutely hazardous waste per month. In 1997, there were approximately 20,000 large quantity generators in the USA. Examples of large quantity generators include pharmaceutical, oil and petrochemical companies and chemical manufacturers. Medium quantity generators Medium quantity generators are defined in the USA as those facilities generating between 100kg and 1000kg of hazardous waste per month and accumulating less than 6000kg of hazardous waste at any time. Examples of medium quantity generators include laboratories, printers and dry cleaners. Medium quantity generators were outside of the first control system introduced in 1976, but were brought within the controls in 1986. Small quantity generators The same US regulations define small quantity generators as those facilities generating waste below 100kg per month or less than 1kg of acutely hazardous waste per month. In the USA these generators are categorised as conditionally exempt small quantity generators. Examples of small quantity generators include photographic laboratories and dental offices. Another example: Using the US definition, in 2000 there were 234 large quantity generators; 8,080 medium quantity generators and 12,299 small quantity generators in Norway. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 27 / 33

CP & BASEL CONVENTION Small and Medium scale Enterprises In developing economies, these often predominate > Typically SME have: - low level of technology - unskilled management - unspecialised workers - lack of modernisation - poor environmental performance > SME may account for one third of the total hazardous wastes generated; > There are high risks from occupational and environmental exposure. Slide 28 - Small and medium scale industries (SME) Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME) present a special challenge to the implementation of the Basel Convention. In developing economies, small and medium scale industries predominate. In Asia, for example, SME constitute on a national average between 80 and 95 % of the number of companies, and typically contribute with more than 50% of the national output of products and services. These include traditional industries (craftsmen and artisans) and informal micro-enterprises as well as registered small and medium scale industries. The first two are often referred to as cottage industries. Small-scale industries represent an increasingly important sub-sector of the local and national economy in developing economies in terms of employment creation and income generation. Small-scale industries are typically characterised by a low level of technology, unskilled management and little specialisation of workers. Although definitions vary from country to country, small and medium scale industries often account for a large share of production. These generally suffer from a lack of modernisation, and the use of obsolete technology affects the performance of the industry as well as the level of pollution generated. Conversely, because of their need to prolong the life of equipment and materials as much as possible, small-scale generators may generate proportionately less waste than larger industries. These industries may account for up to a third of total hazardous wastes. Occupational and environmental exposure to hazardous wastes is a major concern given the large number of workers involved and their ubiquitous presence in poor urban areas. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 28 / 33

CP & BASEL CONVENTION 12 key sectors (SE Asia 1990) Tanneries Textile dyeing plants Dyestuff producers Metal working and electroplating shops Foundries Automobile service shops and gas stations Lead-acid battery manufacturing/recycling Chemical industries/laboratories Paint shops Printers Photographic processors Dry cleaners Slide 29 – 12 key sectors SMEs are often causing the most obvious hazardous waste problem in developing economies. The slide shows the most polluting sectors, identified during the early 1990s as dominating the hazardous waste problem in all the major cities of South East Asia. (Ref Bartone et al (1997) Local management of hazardous wastes from small-scale and cottage industries Waste Management & Research Vol 15 No 1) An example is that of Bangkok where the first waste study attributed 80% of the hazardous waste problems to small generators in just two sectors: metal finishing and textile dyeing. These small workshops generally operate in cramped conditions and lack space for the on-site treatment which is standard practice in the West, to ‘separate’ hazardous waste waters into waste water acceptable for discharge to sewer from more concentrated solutions or sludge to be disposed of as hazardous wastes. Thus SMI hazardous wastes are often aqueous and more like ‘hazardous waste waters’. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 29 / 33

CP & BASEL CONVENTION The CP linkage What is the role of Cleaner Production practitioners? > Use the CP methodology to identify opportunities in industry to reduce their generation of hazardous waste; > Use the Basel Convention requirements as an additional driving force for industry and government to more actively use the CP tools and methodologies; > Create links between the Convention and private sector; > Build CP capacity in the Basel Convention Regional Centers so as to in the centers to promote CP< and to create synergies between CP practitioners and BCRC. Slide 30 - The CP linkage CP practitioners have much to offer industry and governments in term of practical support for reducing waste generation in industry at the plant level. CP is a perfect tool for identifying opportunities for waste minimization. By connecting CP with the Basel Convention and its various actors, CP practitioners can provide implementation support at the same time as the increase the attention and support to the CP approach both in government and industry. Working directly with industry and government, as well as with the BCRC is important and may generate in a strengthened national as well as regional capacity for CP promotion. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 30 / 33

CP & BASEL CONVENTION Capacity Building and ESM What Cleaner Production practitioners can do? > Promote existing relevant Cleaner Production guidelines and manuals for tackling priority waste streams; > Develop new materials tailored to the needs of the Convention; > Offer knowledge of the information sources on ESM for the relevant waste streams; > Conduct demonstration projects for ESM in your countries in the priority waste generating sectors; > Conduct training on ESM tailored to local conditions; > Provide technical assistance services; > Provide policy advice and lobby for Cleaner Production policies and legislation in your country. Slide 31 - Capacity Building and Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) The ESM amendment, referred to above, also provides directions for what kind of support CP practitioners may lend to the Basel Convention actors. While this is already to some extent happening in several countries, a more concerted effort targeting Basel Convention implementation as a specific goal, opens the door for a range of new opportunities and priorities for the CP practitioners. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 31 / 33

Cleaner Production Activities CP & BASEL CONVENTION Synthesis Strengthen link between the private sector and the Convention Include Basel implementation actors in CP partnerships Joint training on environmentally sound management Join forces in implementation projects Cooperation in national reporting Cleaner Production Activities Basel Convention Slide 32 – Synthesis This slide proposes some areas where the Basel Convention and CP approach may be mutually supportive. ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 32 / 33

Thank you for your attention… Any questions? CONCLUSION End of session 7 Thank you for your attention… Any questions? ACME – Session 7 – Introduction to Basel Convention - 33 / 33