Description:
This graphic shows the total amount of hazardous wastes transferred from OECD to non-OECD countries that were reporting parties, as of 1997, to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal. The graphic shows the amount and type of waste transferred according to export data from OECD countries, and according to import data from non-OECD countries. No information is presented on the disposal of hazardous wastes. However, the graphic shows data on R4-5 (metals, inorganics and catalysts) and R9 (re-refining of used oil) recycling according to both import data and export data. It also includes some data on amounts of waste that were handled using 'unspecified or mixed operations' according to both export data and import data. A map showing the locations of OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries is included in Figure 9 at http://www.grida.no/db/maps/collection/basel/09.pdf. Explanatory note from the full report: 'There are considerable differences in quantities reported by exporting OECD countries and importing non-OECD countries. Up to 70 - 90 % of all waste had specific constituents. No details are available about what happened to 47-60 % of all transported wastes. The other half of the flow was recycled, primarily through the reclamation of inorganic compounds.' Note: Category Y19-Y45 refers to wastes having as constituents various hazardous substances. Further explanation of Y categories can be found in Appendix 2 of the Guide to the Basel Convention Control System for Hazardous Wastes at http://www.basel.int/pub/instruct.html#appendix2.