The Waste Management Division (WMD) of Environment Canada is responsible for implementing terms of international agreements aimed at the monitoring and control of transboundary movements of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes and recyclable materials. These agreements are legally binding on Canada through legislation.
Control of hazardous waste and hazardous recyclable material within Canada is a shared responsibility. The federal government regulates international and interprovincial/territorial movements, while provincial/territorial governments regulate intraprovincial movements of hazardous waste and hazardous recyclable material. The provinces/territories are also responsible for establishing controls for licensing hazardous waste generators, carriers and treatment facilities within their jurisdiction.
Co-operation in setting a national definition and standards for hazardous wastes and hazardous recyclable materials as well as promoting a national approach to environmentally sound management (ESM) in Canada is accomplished through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME).