Calls for new controls on exports of plastic waste
A Norwegian plan to include waste plastics as requiring special consideration has gained further support following a representatives’ meeting of the Basel Convention.
The Convention is an international treaty which aims to regulate the trade of hazardous wastes, especially between developed and developing countries. It has acquired a membership of 186 countries since its launch in 1992.
Primarily, the proposal calls for the amendment of Annex II, adding a new ‘special considerations’ category for plastic waste which would require exporting countries to first notify importers and obtain written consent before making shipments.
Plastic makes up approximately 80% of marine debris, and Norway believes the amendment could significantly reduce that in the long-term, arguing that by placing control in the hands of importing countries – which often receive more waste than they have the capacity to manage – plastic can be traced and would be less likely to be illegally dumped.
Nonetheless, some exporting nations have raised concerns, with the EU, Canada and Japan proving particularly reluctant to approve the amendment.
The proposal also seeks to remove the ‘Solid Plastic Waste’ category from Annex IX of the Convention, which, say proponents of the change, is often used to ship plastic as ‘green’ waste.
Norway’s proposal is to be passed on to the 14th Conference of the Parties of the Basel Convention and a final decision will be made in April 2019.
