ENVIRONMENT CANADA PUBLISHES FINAL REGULATIONS FOR THE EXPORT AND IMPORT OF HAZARDOUS WASTES

06/06/2005 - Regulations to improve Canada’s management of the export and import of hazardous wastes and hazardous recyclable materials such as leftovers from oil refining, the manufacture of chemicals and metal processing, batteries, computer and electronic waste were finalized June 1, 2005, through the publication of the regulations in the Canada Gazette.
Revisions to the Export and Import of Hazardous Wastes Regulations were needed to adapt to evolving international obligations and to strengthen measures to control the growing issue of electronic waste. The new Export and Import of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations were published for consultation in 2004, and, following a short phase in period, will become fully operational in November 2005.
“The Government of Canada recognizes that the amount of hazardous waste in our landfills is a growing concern. Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility and by improving the control and increasing the recycling of hazardous recyclable material, we can all better protect the environment and human health,” said the Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment. “By streamlining the administrative process, these regulations will improve the way exports and imports are controlled, in a way that will also benefit industry.”
The revisions maintain the core requirements of the current regulations including the prior informed consent of countries before the movement of hazardous wastes takes place, the tracking of all transboundary movements, and the recycling of materials and disposal of wastes at authorized facilities. The updated requirements will further protect the environment and/or human health by introducing specific criteria enabling the Government of Canada to refuse issuing an export, import or transit permit if the waste or recyclable material will not be managed in a way that will protect the environment and human health.The revisions also include the requirement for waste reductions plans of exports of hazardous wastes destined for disposal.
Exemptions for low-risk hazardous material, in accordance with the mechanism outlined by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), will support a sustainable recycling industry in Canada by facilitating access of such materials. A streamlined administrative process will make it easier for the regulated community when they apply for permits and will improve the controls of the movements of hazardous wastes and hazardous recyclable materials across international borders.
These fair and effective regulations are examples of how the Government of Canada and industry can work together to protect Canada’s environment and human health for future generations. Improved control and increased recycling of hazardous materials will help to reduce the release of these substances in our environment, will reduce the strain on our natural resources and conform to the overall sustainability framework for the government to support a growing economy and a clean environment.