Updated Regulations for the Export and Import of Hazardous Wastes and Hazardous Recyclable Materials

OTTAWA, March 31, 2004 - Draft 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 have been published for consultation.

Amendments to the Export and Import of Hazardous Wastes Regulations are needed to adapt to evolving international obligations, strengthen measures to ensure protection of human health and the environment, and to modernize the control regime. The amended Export and Import of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on March 20th for a 60 day public comment period, and will become final in early 2005.

"These amendments demonstrate Canada's commitment to have domestic requirements in line with international standards for the safe movement of hazardous wastes and hazardous recyclable materials across borders," said the Honourable David Anderson, Minister of the Environment. "Canada is committed to protecting human health and the environment by taking action to improve the management of hazardous waste and hazardous recyclable material."

The proposed amendments maintain the core requirements of the current regulations including the prior informed consent of importing countries to waste shipped from Canada; the tracking of all transboundary movements; and the recycling of materials and disposal of wastes at authorized facilities. The updated requirements incorporate the principle of environmentally sound management (ESM) criteria whereby the government may refuse to issue an export, import or transit permit if the waste or recyclable material will not be managed in a manner that will protect the environment and/or human health. The proposed amendments also include the requirement for waste reductions plans or phase out of exports of hazardous wastes destined for disposal.

The amendments provide economic benefits to the waste and recycling industry. 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 to obtain permits and will improve the controls of the movements of hazardous wastes and hazardous recyclable materials across international borders.

The amendments to these regulations demonstrate that the Government of Canada is dedicated to improving control over the import and export of hazardous waste and recyclable materials. Improved control and increased recycling of these materials will help to reduce the release of hazardous substances in the environment, reduce the strain on our natural resources and better protect Canada's environment and human health for future generations.

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