Imports of Hazardous Waste Decline in 2000

OTTAWA, August 3, 2001 - Hazardous waste for disposal into Canada dropped 29 per cent in overall reduction of imports from 1999, with a 32 per cent reduction in imports for landfilling according to figures on transboundary movements of hazardous waste released today by Environment Canada. In 2000, 279,000 tonnes of hazardous waste were imported for disposal, compared to 394,000 tonnes in 1999.

"Progress is being made on establishing an environmentally sound management regime for the management of hazardous waste in Canada," said Environment Minister David Anderson. "While the decrease in imports from 1998 and 1999 takes us in the right direction, there is still more work to be done by governments and industry in Canada and in North America."

Higher import figures in the past were in large part due to differences in the standards for pre-treatment of waste between Canada and the United States. Last year, the Government of Canada called for action to strengthen the standards for the management of hazardous waste in Canada, especially for landfills.

A working group under the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment has developed an action plan on a national regime for environmentally sound management of hazardous waste. As a priority, Environment Canada is working with Ontario and Québec, which account for 98% of the hazardous waste imported into Canada, to develop guidelines on the landfilling of hazardous wastes and contaminated soil. These guidelines will take the U.S. pre-treatment standards into account, adapting them to Canadian conditions.

"Québec's new regulations for the landfilling of contaminated soils are a positive step forward", said Minister Anderson. "I look forward to continuing my work with the provinces and territories towards a Canadian solution to improve the environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes."

The issue of assigning liability to hazardous waste generators and management facilities will also be addressed in cooperation with the provinces and territories based on on-going work initiated by Environment Canada. New guidelines for the management of hazardous waste will be incorporated under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) as amendments to the Export and Import of Hazardous Wastes Regulations which will be published in December 2002 for public consultation.

In Canada, the management of hazardous waste is a shared responsibility. The Government of Canada regulates international movements of hazardous waste. The Government of Canada does not allow import of hazardous waste without the consent of the province of destination. Provincial and territorial governments control and regulate recycling and disposal facilities within their jurisdictions.

Canada is also working with Mexico and the United States through the NAFTA Commission on Environmental Cooperation (CEC) to develop a North American approach to environmentally sound management of hazardous waste. At a recent meeting of the CEC, Canada was successful in obtaining agreement from Mexico and the United States to develop a North American action plan on environmentally sound management.

Related documents:

• Hazardous Waste Management in Canada [backgrounder, 2001-08-03]