1. International Initiatives for Environmental Health
GRRN Zero Waste Network
Action Conference
August 28, 2004
9/16/2018

2. Zero Waste = Clean Production
Health
Environment
Justice
Equity
Future
“How do we transform the destructive aspects of the industrial system and create sustainable systems for production and consumption?”
9/16/2018

3. Twin Evils Overconsumption -- Quantity Toxics Pollution -- Quality
9/16/2018

4. Zero waste redux Zero waste is not just recycling
Not all recycling is green
When you recycle a hazard, you are left with a hazard.
9/16/2018

5. Hazardous Waste Trade Incinerator Ash Medical waste Mixed Rubbish
Used Lead Acid Batteries
PVC scrap and plastic waste
Electroscrap or E-waste
9/16/2018

6. Waste to East More stringent regulations
Increasing costs of disposal and environmental compliance
Greater public opposition
9/16/2018

7. Recycling?!?
9/16/2018

8. Zero Waste? !?
9/16/2018

9. Clean Production No incineration No hazardous waste trade
Extended producer responsibility
Toxics use elimination
Substitution
Closed loop recycling
Precautionary Principle
9/16/2018

10. Critical Pathways Basel Convention - Ban amendment
- Hazwaste generation cap
POPs Convention
- Elimination of shortlisted POPs
- No to new sources
9/16/2018

11. Critical Pathways WEEE and RoHS Directives
- Broad range of electronic products (PCs, cell phones, electronic toys, hair dryers, etc.)
- Producers are financially responsible for taking back and dealing with e-waste: shared responsibility for “historical waste”; individual responsibility for “new products” put on the market after August 2005)
9/16/2018

12. Key Features: WEEE & RoHS
Recycling/Reuse targets of 50%-75% by 2006
Recovery target of 70%-80% by 2006 cannot be met by inicneration even with energy recovery
Ban on hazardous substances
Products must be designed for dismantling and recycling
Labelling (to identify materials for recyclers and inform consumers that e-waste must be handled separately from municipal waste
9/16/2018

13. EU Restriction on Hazardous Substances Directive (ROHS)
Phase-out by 2004:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Hexavalent Chromium
- Halogenated Flame Retardants
9/16/2018

14. Critical Pathways
REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals)
*could require companies to substitute the most hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives
“Adequate control” vs Substitution
9/16/2018

15. Zero Waste = Clean Production
Assimilative capacity vs Pollution Prevention
Materials destruction vs Materials recovery
Cost-benefit vs precautionary approach
9/16/2018