Stopping Hazardous Waste Where it Starts (Basel Convention)

Decades ago, environmental regulations were tightened in developed countries. Industries then looked for cheaper ways to dispose of their waste and sent it to developing countries. This led to the increased cost of disposing hazardous waste in the developing world; an instance which led to greater concern and to the birth of the Basel Convention.

The main focus of this effort is to protect human health and the environment against adverse effects resulting from hazardous waste.

This agreement, which came into effect in 1992, was approved by member countries and the European Union for addressing the root cause of the problems and challenges posed by hazardous waste. The Secretariat in Geneva Switzerland, administered by UNEP, helps carry out the implementation of the Basel Convention and related agreements. UNEP also provides assistance and guidelines on the legal and technical issues, gathers statistical data and conducts training on the proper management of hazardous waste.

For the decade (2000 - 2010), the convention will continue to emphasize implementation and enforcement of treaty commitments. It will also focus on the minimization of hazardous waste.

For more information, please visit http://www.basel.int/