Imports of Hazardous Wastes Continue to Decline

OTTAWA, September 20, 2004 – Figures released today by Environment Canada demonstrate that in 2003, for the fourth year in a row, there has been a decline in the amount of hazardous wastes and hazardous recyclable materials imported into Canada. Hazardous waste exports also declined between 2002 and 2003.

The figures for 2003 indicate that imports of hazardous materials decreased by almost 6000 tonnes since the previous year, while exports decreased by nearly 6 percent representing nearly 20,000 tonnes. Most notable is the decline in the imports of hazardous waste destined for landfilling which dropped to 43,274 tonnes, representing a reduction of 34 percent from 2002 levels (65,500 tonnes) and down by a total of 82 percent from 1999, when they peaked at 235,000 tonnes.

The reductions in exports are due in part to a 14 percent decrease of hazardous waste materials such as recoverable metals and renewable materials destined for recycling to the United States and Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries due to the variability of manufacturing and remediation activity industries. The reduction in imports indicates that provincial regulations in Quebec for the pre-treatment of contaminated soil have had a positive effect in helping to reduce overall imports of hazardous wastes destined for landfilling. Another contributing factor to the downward trend in imports is believed to be the move to harmonize Canadian and American guidelines, which include pre-treatment requirements, for the landfilling of hazardous wastes.

The disposal of the waste we produce, be it household non-hazardous garbage or hazardous industrial waste, needs to be done in an environmentally sound manner, so that human health and the environment are protected. Managing waste in an environmentally sound manner also makes economic sense. Because of Canada’s close geographic and economic relationship with the U.S., reducing the distance hazardous waste needs to travel for instance, can significantly reduce cost to industry.

Since 1992, the Government of Canada has had strict regulations on the transboundary movement and tracking of hazardous wastes and hazardous recyclable materials. In addition, recently proposed revisions to the Export and Import of Hazardous Waste Regulations, published for consultation in March 2004, will further contribute to the protection of the environment and human health and will modernize a control regime established over a decade ago.

Each year, Environment Canada releases statistics on the export and import of hazardous wastes and hazardous recyclable materials; these wastes can pose potential risks to both human health and the environment. Hazardous waste can come from several sources, including industrial waste, or from household products such as cleansers, batteries, oil-based paints and leftover pesticides.

Related Documents:

• Hazardous Waste Management in Canada - 2003 Statistics [2004-09-20, Backgrounder]
• Transboundary Movement Branch [Web site]

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