Basel Agreement E-Waste

The Basel Agreement on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal is an international treaty aimed at controlling and reducing the movement of hazardous waste across borders. The treaty was adopted in 1989 and has been ratified by over 180 countries. The agreement has been successful in reducing the amount of hazardous waste that is shipped from developed to developing countries. However, a new challenge has emerged in the form of electronic waste or e-waste.

E-waste is a rapidly growing problem that is threatening the environment. Electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, and televisions contain toxic chemicals that can pollute soil and water. According to the United Nations, over 50 million metric tons of e-waste are generated each year, and only 20% of this waste is properly recycled. The rest ends up in landfills or is shipped to developing countries where it is dumped or burned. This not only harms the environment but also poses health risks to the people handling the waste.

To address this issue, the Basel Convention added an amendment to the agreement known as the Basel Ban Amendment. This amendment prohibits the export of hazardous waste, including e-waste, from developed to developing countries. The amendment was adopted in 1995, but it took over 20 years for the required number of ratifications to be achieved. The amendment finally entered into force on December 5, 2019.

The Basel Ban Amendment is a significant step forward in the fight against e-waste. By prohibiting the export of hazardous waste from developed to developing countries, the amendment ensures that all countries take responsibility for their own waste. It also encourages countries to develop their own recycling facilities and reduce their dependence on importing waste for recycling. This will not only reduce environmental pollution but also create new job opportunities and boost the economy.

However, the success of the Basel Ban Amendment depends on the cooperation of all countries. Developed countries must ensure that their e-waste is properly recycled and not shipped to developing countries. Developing countries must also take steps to establish their own recycling facilities and ensure that their workers are protected from the harmful effects of e-waste. International organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization must provide support and guidance to all countries in their efforts to manage e-waste.

In conclusion, the Basel Agreement on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal has been successful in reducing the movement of hazardous waste across borders. However, the emergence of e-waste has posed a new challenge to the agreement. The Basel Ban Amendment is a significant step forward in addressing this challenge, but its success depends on the cooperation of all countries. We must all work together to ensure that e-waste is properly managed and recycled to protect our environment and our health.