Canadian Imports of Hazardous Waste Decline in 2001

OTTAWA, July 9, 2002 -Canadian imports of hazardous waste for landfilling without pre-treatment declined for the second year in a row according to figures released today by Environment Canada. Imports for landfilling without pre-treatment totaled 106,000 tonnes in 2001, down 34 per cent from 2000 levels (160,000 tonnes), and down by 55 per cent from 1999 levels, when they peaked at 235,000 tonnes.

"I have encouraged an environmentally sound management regime for hazardous wastes and I am pleased that the trend is moving in this direction," said Environment Minister David Anderson. "I urge all of my provincial and territorial counterparts to accelerate the adoption of new national guidelines to improve waste management practices in Canada."

Over the next eighteen months, Environment Canada will introduce amendments to existing regulations and propose new regulations on the management of hazardous waste and hazardous recyclable material. The proposed regulations will implement new powers under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999) which authorizes the Minister of the Environment to develop criteria to ensure the environmentally sound management of wastes and recyclable materials, and to assess export and import permit applications based on these criteria.

"The management of hazardous waste is one of the key areas where the Canadian Environmental Protection Act can bring about significant improvements to our environment and the health of Canadians," said Minister Anderson. "Strengthening the environmental protection regime for the management and handling of hazardous waste and hazardous recyclable material is a priority for action under CEPA."

Canada is also working with the United States and Mexico to develop a North American approach for the management of hazardous waste. At the Ninth Regular Session of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) Council, held in Ottawa, June 18-19, 2002, the three countries agreed to proceed with a pilot project to track hazardous waste movement between Canada and the United States, and to examine the feasibility of an electronic notification system between the United States and Mexico.

Nearly half of the hazardous waste imported into Canada is recycled, including batteries and waste metal. Just over 20 per cent of imported waste was destined for landfill, with the rest being disposed of through physical or chemical treatment, or incineration.

Related documents:

• Regulations controlling Hazardous and Non-Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 - [Backgrounder, 2002-07-09]
• Hazardous Waste Management in Canada - [Backgrounder, 2002-07-09]