What is the Basel Convention?
The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal is a global agreement for the environmentally sound management of hazardous waste which came into force in 1992 and currently has been ratified by over 160 countries, including Canada. Basel’s key objectives are to: • minimize the generation of hazardous waste; • ensure they are disposed in an environmentally sound manner and as close to the source of generation as possible; • reduce the international movement of hazardous waste. *Canada’s obligations under the Basel Convention are implemented through the Export and Import of Hazardous Waste Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999.
