The Waste Reduction and Management Division (WRMD) 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).
