Explain the concept of transboundary of pollutants of hazardous waste

Explain the concept of transboundary of pollutants of hazardous waste

Answer:-

Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste and Pollutants

The transboundary movement of hazardous wastes refers to the transportation of such wastes from one country to another or through areas outside national jurisdiction, involving at least two countries.

This movement is regulated globally by the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (adopted in 1989, enforced in 1992) to protect human health and the environment from the adverse effects of hazardous waste.

Conditions for Transboundary Movement

TBM is allowed only if one of the following conditions is met:

1. The exporting country lacks the technical capacity or facilities for environmentally sound disposal.
2. The importing country requires the waste as a raw material for recycling or recovery industries.
3. The movement aligns with criteria agreed upon by the parties (e.g., decisions by the Conference of Parties).

Procedures for Transboundary Movement (TBM)

The Basel Convention outlines a Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure for TBM, which consists of four key stages:

1. Notification

• The exporter or generator informs the Competent Authority (CA) of the exporting country about the proposed shipment.
• The CA notifies the CAs of the importing and transit countries via a notification document.
• A disposal contract ensuring ESM must be finalized before shipment.

2. Consent and Issuance of Movement Document

• The importing country’s CA must provide written consent or denial.
• Transit countries’ CAs acknowledge the notification and provide their response within 60 days.
• Once all approvals are obtained, the CA of the exporting country issues the movement document, authorizing the shipment.

3. Transboundary Movement

• The movement document accompanies the shipment and contains details about:
  • Type of waste and packaging.
  • Carriers and customs authorities involved.
• The document ensures transparency and accountability throughout the transportation process.

4. Confirmation of Disposal

• The disposer provides confirmation that the waste has been disposed of in an environmentally sound manner, as per the contract.
• If the exporting country’s CA does not receive confirmation, it must notify the importing country’s CA.