On October 21, 2016, the Export and Import of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Materials Regulations were amended. This was subsequently published in the Canada Gazette on November 2, 2016. As we understand, this amendment takes force immediately.
These changes are reflective of the United Nations Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal. The intent of the Basel Convention was to control transboundary movement of hazardous wastes.
Background: Export and Import of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulation
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, “The Export and Import of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations apply to all individuals and businesses that export waste or recyclable material from Canada, import it into Canada, or convey it in transit through Canada, for recycling or disposal purposes, when the waste or recyclable material is considered to be hazardous under the regulations.”
The Export and Import of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations were changed to reflect the intent of the Basel Convention (image credit: www.cefic.org).
Changes to Hazardous Waste Regulation
The primary change is reflective of the intent of the Basel Convention. Specifically, if the waste that is being exported is considered hazardous by the importing country, the company that is intending to export it must obtain a permit from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
There are also provisions for returning shipments of wastes that have been rejected.
While this regulation applies to a very small segment of the regulated community, you should, at a minimum, be aware of these changes if waste from your facility is exported by your waste-disposal vendor.
If you have questions relating to environmental compliance, site assessments, remediation, or expert environmental services, please feel free to contact me (cpare@dragun.com) at 519-979-7300, Ext. 114.