What is the Basel Convention?

The Basel Convention is an international treaty that aims to prevent the international movement of hazardous waste and promote environmentally sound management of such waste. It was adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992.

Basel Convention and Hazardous Waste

The Basel Convention categorizes hazardous waste based on its characteristics and aims to control its transboundary movement. Hazardous waste is defined as waste that poses a significant risk to human health or the environment due to its toxic, corrosive, reactive, or flammable nature.

Promoting Environmentally Sound Practices

The Basel Convention encourages countries to minimize the generation of hazardous waste, treat it in an environmentally sound manner, and reduce its disposal. It also promotes the recycling and reuse of non-hazardous waste to reduce the overall impact on the environment.

International Cooperation

Through the Basel Convention, countries work together to ensure that hazardous waste is managed in a way that protects human health and the environment. This cooperation includes sharing information, technology transfer, and capacity building to help countries improve their waste management practices.

In conclusion, the Basel Convention plays a crucial role in regulating the international movement of hazardous waste and promoting sustainable waste management practices worldwide.