Projects in Latin America and the Caribbean

Year: 2008
The constituents of used lead acid batteries (ULAB), such as lead and sulfuric acid, may pose a threat to human health and the environment if managed improperly. The Regional Strategy for the Environmentally Sound Management of Used Lead Acid Batteries in Central America, Columbia, Venezuela and the Caribbean Island States was prepared under the auspices of the Basel Convention Partnership Initiative to assist developing countries in planning for and adopting policies, programs and measures to support a cooperative and coordinated approach to ensuring the environmentally sound management (ESM) of ULAB in the region. A regional approach is needed because the domestic ULAB recycling capacity of many countries in the region is inadequate (from an ESM perspective), insufficient, or lacking altogether. In addition, several countries (especially Small Island Developing States) do not generate sufficient quantities of ULAB to establish direct consignments with ULAB recyclers located in other countries.

Revised regional strategy for the ESM of Used Acid Batteries in Central America, Colombia, Venezuela and the Caribbean island states (phase II)

The constituents of used lead acid batteries (ULAB), such as lead and sulfuric acid, may pose a threat to human health and the environment if managed improperly. The Regional Strategy for the Environmentally Sound Management of Used Lead Acid Batteries in Central America, Columbia, Venezuela and the Caribbean Island States was prepared under the auspices of the Basel Convention Partnership Initiative to assist developing countries in planning for and adopting policies, programs and measures to support a cooperative and coordinated approach to ensuring the environmentally sound management (ESM) of ULAB in the region. A regional approach is needed because the domestic ULAB recycling capacity of many countries in the region is inadequate (from an ESM perspective), insufficient, or lacking altogether. In addition, several countries (especially Small Island Developing States) do not generate sufficient quantities of ULAB to establish direct consignments with ULAB recyclers located in other countries.

Strategy implementation will initially focus on nine pilot countries (namely, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela) and thereafter is anticipated broadening the group to include other interested countries in the region, such as Jamaica and Guatemala. ULAB that fall under the scope of this initiative include starting or “automotive” batteries, and deep discharge or “industrial” batteries (used for stationary and motive applications).

The Regional Strategy specifically addresses country needs that have been identified through national reports, consultation forums and presentation materials. It is based on the following eight strategic goals, each of which is accompanied by underlying objectives and targets: 

  1. Secure commitment from relevant stakeholders to promote ESM for ULAB in accordance with the Basel Convention and Basel Technical Guidelines. 
  2. Assess the degree to which the ESM of ULAB is supported at the national level and certify those that are in compliance. 
  3. Ensure national laws and compliance programs are sufficient to ensure ESM of ULAB. 
  4. Implement national programs (in a regional context) to recover ULAB for ESM. 
  5. Implement financial mechanisms to support the delivery and effectiveness of national ULAB recovery and recycling programs. 
  6. Transition workers from informal ULAB facilities and operations to the formal ULAB recovery and recycling sector. 
  7. Raise public awareness concerning the importance of proper battery use and ensuring ESM for the recovery of ULAB. 
  8. Identify candidate remediation sites where lead contamination has been observed from ULAB activities. 
  9. Promote technical assistance, including capacity building and technology transfer, including safe battery handling, storage and transportation systems; blood lead monitoring and soil remediation techniques, to enhance the ESM of ULAB in the region.

The Regional Strategy proposes a two-year program to assist pilot countries finance its implementation, after which time countries will be expected to maintain self-financing ULAB recovery programs. This is feasible considering the fact that ongoing program costs will be generated by revenues from the sale of recovered ULAB (secondary lead is a valuable commodity) and financial intervention options (e.g. deposit-refund, purchase-discounts, waived-charges, advance recycling fees, or taxes). A request for (co)funding will be submitted to international donors such as the Global Environment Fund, the World Bank, and the International Development Bank, as well as other potential bilateral and multilateral funding and cooperation agencies and the private sector.

Project documents:

 

Year: 2006
The project consists of designing, implementing and disseminating a methodology applicable to various currents of hazardous wastes by means of a Pilot Project with three hazardous wastes streams applied in Brazil and with the participation of various stakeholders. This methodology will be adjusted and prepared under the form of guidelines to be disseminated in the region through the Coordinating, South American, Central American and Caribbean BCRC and the National Cleaner Production Centres-UNIDO.

Pilot Program for the Minimization of Impacts Generated by Hazardous Wastes

The project consists of designing, implementing and disseminating a methodology applicable to various currents of hazardous wastes by means of a Pilot Project with three hazardous wastes streams applied in Brazil and with the participation of various stakeholders. This methodology will be adjusted and prepared under the form of guidelines to be disseminated in the region through the Coordinating, South American, Central American and Caribbean BCRC and the National Cleaner Production Centres-UNIDO.

Download the report:

 

Year: 2006
New Partnership with Local Authorities for the Environmentally Sound Management of Hazardous and other Wastes in the Context of the Basel Convention in South America

Partnership with Local Authorities for the Environmentally Sound Management of Hazardous and other Wastes in the Context of the Basel Convention in South America

New Partnership with Local Authorities for the Environmentally Sound Management of Hazardous and other Wastes in the Context of the Basel Convention in South America

Project documents:

  • Final Report of the Feasibility in the Canton of Guayaquil (in Spanish)
  • Final Report of the Feasibility Study in Ecuador Phase I (in Spanish)
  • Report on MOU Objectives Phase II (in Spanish)

 

Year: 2006
El proyecto se enfoca en catalizar las acciones desarrolladas dentro de los Convenios de Estocolmo, Basilea y Rotterdam, fortaleciendo las capacidades nacionales para el manejo ambientalmente adecuado de los bifenilos policlorados (PCBs) y equipos que los contengan. Para esto, se desarrolla inventarios nacionales armonizados y planes de acción nacionales, incluyendo la revisión de la legislación aplicable y el fortalecimiento de las capacidades de las Aduanas.

Preparation of National Inventories and National Plans for the Environmentally Sound Management of PCBs and PCB-containing Equipment in Central America

El proyecto se enfoca en catalizar las acciones desarrolladas dentro de los Convenios de Estocolmo, Basilea y Rotterdam, fortaleciendo las capacidades nacionales para el manejo ambientalmente adecuado de los bifenilos policlorados (PCBs) y equipos que los contengan. Para esto, se desarrolla inventarios nacionales armonizados y planes de acción nacionales, incluyendo la revisión de la legislación aplicable y el fortalecimiento de las capacidades de las Aduanas.

A partir de esto, se generará una estrategia regional para el manejo ambientalmente racional de los PCBs, con el objetivo final de su eliminación, cumpliendo así con la implementación del Convenio de Basilea, ratificado por todos los países participantes del proyecto. Asimismo, cumpliendo con los requerimientos de los Convenios de Estocolmo y Rotterdam, permitiendo crear las bases a nivel nacional, para su ratificación en aquellos países que aun no lo han hecho.

 Project documents:

 

Year: 2006

E-waste is a growing concern in South America. Since 2000, the use of personal computers in the region grows around 15% a year. Furthermore, ITU figures show Brazil and Argentina to be among the 25 countries with the most personal computers in the world. A better assessment of the production of e-waste in the region is key to assisting national authorities to respond to this emerging issue through the development of new environmental regulations, the building of partnerships with industry and the consideration of policies on life-cycle approach, integrated waste management and cooperation and sharing of information at the regional level.

Inventory of Electronic Wastes in South America

Introduction

In recent years, significant international transboundary movement has evolved in personal computers, computer hardware, home appliances, old electric devices and used mobile phones that have been transported for the removal of usable parts, for refurbishment and reuse and for processing for the recovery of raw materials. Import and export statistics provided by Parties to the Basel Convention for the year 2000 show that there were imports of more than 17.5 million tonnes and export of 1.6 million tones designated as used electrical and electronic assemblies or scrap. Transboundary movement of these goods is forecast to increase significantly as more and more countries produce electrical and electronic equipment and tighten control over acceptable disposal methods, adopt processes to recover valuable constituents and use safe practices to deal with the hazardous constituents in e-wastes (e.g. cadmium, lead, beryllium, CFCs, brominated flame retardants, mercury, nickel and certain organic compounds). While offering some economic benefits, massive import of e-wastes coupled with the same wastes being generated locally is placing a heavy health and environmental burden, in particular on developing countries.

Electrical and electronic wastes (e-wastes) are classified in the Basel Convention as Annex VIII entries A1180, A1150 and A2010 as well as under Annex IX as B1110. Basically, e-wastes are characterized as hazardous wastes under the Convention when they contain components such as accumulators and other batteries, mercury-switches, glass from cathode-ray tubes and other activated glass, PCB-capacitors or when contaminated with cadmium, mercury, lead or PCBs. Also, precious ash from incineration of printed circuit boards and glass waste from cathode-ray-tubes and other activated glasses will be characterized as hazardous wastes.

E-waste is also a priority waste stream identified in the Basel Convention Strategic Plan (2002-2010) adopted at the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention and in the “Ministerial Statement on Partnerships for Meeting the Global Waste Challenge” adopted at the seventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention. In order to address environmental issues related to the increasing transboundary movements of these wastes, and to ensure their storage, transport, treatment, reuse, recycling, recovery and disposal is conducted in an environmentally sound manner, a proactive approach is essential. Through concrete and well-targeted regional and national efforts supported by the BCRC Argentina and the Secretariat of the Basel Convention along with other partners, these wastes can be managed in a manner that promotes economic, social as well as environmental objectives.

Background 

The electrical and electronic equipment sector is largely a globalized industry with their production and their assemblage being increasingly outsourced to industrializing countries. The environmental and health effects associated with the fast growing volume of e-wastes, whether in a form of post-consumer goods or end-of-life equipment imported or generated domestically, requires the development of sound capacity to prevent, minimize, re-use, recycle or recover materials from such wastes and to dispose of the residues arising from these operations.

E-waste is a growing concern in South America. Since 2000, the use of personal computers in the region grows around 15% a year. Furthermore, ITU figures show Brazil and Argentina to be among the 25 countries with the most personal computers in the world. A better assessment of the production of e-waste in the region is key to assisting national authorities to respond to this emerging issue through the development of new environmental regulations, the building of partnerships with industry and the consideration of policies on life-cycle approach, integrated waste management and cooperation and sharing of information at the regional level.

Numerous obstacles have been identified by countries in regard to their ability to manage e-wastes in an environmentally sound way. These include the lack of easily accessible information (on flows, quantities, available technology, legislative/trade requirements of countries importing new products, who will require increasingly strict standards for minimization and re-use, recycling and recovery).

Objectives

To respond to the needs and concerns expressed by the Parties to the Basel Convention, to follow the Strategic Plan for the implementation of the Basel Convention (particularly fields a, b, c and e), to address the Ministerial Statement on Partnerships for Meeting the Global Waste Challenge and also based on the needs and concerns expressed by the countries in South America, the project aims to pursue the environmental sound management of electronic wastes in South America according to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal and other international obligations.

In order to address the e-waste problem in South America, the objective of the project is:

  • To provide an assessment of the regional situation of e-waste, tools to develop national policies for re-use, repair, refurbishment and recycling and capacity building to implement these policies;
  • To support national and local initiatives to divert end-of-life electronic equipment from dumping and landfills towards sustainable re-use and recycling operations to protect human health and the environment;
  • To raise public awareness on the environmentally sound management of used and end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment.

Activities

Seven activities are proposed in order to properly address the objectives of the project on inventory of e-waste in South America: 

  1. To select a qualified project coordinator to monitor the development of the project and to act as an interface with the countries;
  2. To establish contact with the participant countries in order to identify the structure of each national market for electronic products and to collect information regarding the national inventory of the actual situation of e-waste;
  3. Elaborate a document compiling the information submitted by the participant countries;
  4. Conduct a desk study in order to review and compare the existing practices for dealing with e-waste at the national level;
  5. Propose a regional approach on e-waste that is consistent with the environmentally sound management of waste and submit a draft of proposal to the participating countries in order to receive comments from the countries of their concerns;
  6. Develop, based on the inputs of the participating countries, a national framework for the environmentally sound management of e-wastes for the participating countries including the most appropriate policies and strategies to deal with e-waste in the region;
  7. Conduct a pilot study in one participating country for the collection and segregation of e-wastes with a view to their sound re-use, repair, refurbishment, and/or recycling for material recovery.

Outputs 

  1. In view of the objectives expressed in item III of the project document, the following outputs are expected from the implementation of the Inventory of e-waste in South America:
  2.  A compilation of the existing disposal practices and/or treatment of the electronic waste in the South American countries;
  3. A technical report setting out a national framework for the environmentally sound management of e-waste in South America;
  4. A report on the pilot study undertaken in order to assess the application of the national framework on the environmentally sound management of e-waste in one participating country;
  5. A project report containing an executive summary, a commentary on the feedback from the participating countries during the development of the project and a general review of the project (including difficulties faced during the project’s implementation and suggestions for future actions). 

 Project documents:

 

Year: 2005
El objetivo del proyecto es la capacitación de técnicos municipales en la gestión ambientalmente adecuada de desechos peligrosos, atendiendo las necesidades de estos actores locales y fortaleciendo la articulación con la Autoridades Competentes en el cumplimiento de los objetivos del Convenio de Basilea. Más allá de las responsabilidades específicas que las legislaciones nacionales les asignan a los diferentes actores, los municipios tienen un importante rol en la gestión de los residuos peligrosos por estar integrados al territorio donde se generan, almacenan, transportan y eventualmente se reciclan, tratan y disponen dichos residuos.

Training Program for Municipal Officers in Environmentally Sound Management of Hazardous Wastes

Training Program for Municipal Officers in Environmentally Sound Management of Hazardous Wastes

La presente Guía se elabora en el marco de las actividades del proyecto "Capacitación de técnicos municipales en la gestión ambientalmente adecuada de residuos peligrosos", desarrollado por el Centro Coordinador del Convenio de Basilea para América Latina y el Caribe, con el apoyo de la Secretaría del Convenio de Basilea, del Ministerio de Vivienda, Ordenamiento Territorial y Medio Ambiente de Uruguay y del Secretariado del Manejo del Medio Ambiente del Centro Internacional de Investigaciones para el Desarrollo de Canadá.

El objetivo del proyecto es la capacitación de técnicos municipales en la gestión ambientalmente adecuada de desechos peligrosos, atendiendo las necesidades de estos actores locales y fortaleciendo la articulación con la Autoridades Competentes en el cumplimiento de los objetivos del Convenio de Basilea. Más allá de las responsabilidades específicas que las legislaciones nacionales les asignan a los diferentes actores, los municipios tienen un importante rol en la gestión de los residuos peligrosos por estar integrados al territorio donde se generan, almacenan, transportan y eventualmente se reciclan, tratan y disponen dichos residuos.

Adicionalmente, en atención a su ingerencia en el ordenamiento del territorio, los municipios están involucrados en las decisiones sobre la instalación de la infraestructura necesaria para la gestión de los residuos peligrosos, así como en lograr la aceptación social imprescindible para viabilizar la
implementación de este tipo de proyectos. Además de los aspectos básicos vinculados a la gestión de residuos peligrosos, la Guía incluye una serie ejemplos sobre flujos específicos de desechos generados por el consumo de bienes y servicios, así como algunas tecnologías de tratamiento y disposición, por lo que esperamos que este material sea de utilidad práctica y contribuya desde los ámbitos locales a mejorar la gestión ambientalmente adecuada de los desechos peligrosos en los países latinoamericanos.

Project documents:

 

 

Year: 2005

ULAB include starting or “automotive” batteries, and deep discharge or “industrial” batteries (used for stationary and motive applications).  The constituents of used lead acid batteries (ULAB), such as lead and sulphuric acid, may pose a threat to human health and the environment if managed improperly. 

In the Group of Latin America and Caribbean (GRULAC) there have been several documented cases in which ULAB has not been managed in an environmentally sound manner and has led to a number of adverse impacts, including lead poisoning and lead contaminated sites in some vulnerable communities.  Consequently the mismanagement of ULAB may have long-term implications, not only for a country’s environmental health, but also for its economic and social growth and development.  Within the GRULAC, a number of countries, particularly the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS), have resource constraints and challenges associated with the environmentally sound management (ESM) of ULAB.

regional strategy for the Environmentally Sound Management of Used Acid Batteries in Central America, Colombia, Venezuela and the Caribbean island states

ULAB include starting or “automotive” batteries, and deep discharge or “industrial” batteries (used for stationary and motive applications).  The constituents of used lead acid batteries (ULAB), such as lead and sulphuric acid, may pose a threat to human health and the environment if managed improperly. 

In the Group of Latin America and Caribbean (GRULAC) there have been several documented cases in which ULAB has not been managed in an environmentally sound manner and has led to a number of adverse impacts, including lead poisoning and lead contaminated sites in some vulnerable communities.  Consequently the mismanagement of ULAB may have long-term implications, not only for a country’s environmental health, but also for its economic and social growth and development.  Within the GRULAC, a number of countries, particularly the Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS), have resource constraints and challenges associated with the environmentally sound management (ESM) of ULAB.

In this regard, some Basel Party States of the GRULAC agreed to develop a Regional Strategy for the Environmentally Sound Management of Used Lead Acid Batteries in Central America, Colombia, Venezuela and the Caribbean Island States.  This Strategy was prepared, under the Strategic Plan for the implementation of the Basel Convention, to assist Party countries in planning for and adopting policies, programs and measures to support an integrated, coordinated and life cycle approach for ESM of ULAB in the region. The Strategy recognizes concepts and approaches such as the “polluter pays” principle, extended producer responsibility, product stewardship and environmental management systems as important elements in support of the ESM of ULAB.

The implementation of the Regional Strategy will, inter alia, build upon the successes achieved by the nine pilot countries (namely, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Venezuela) under Phase I of the regional ULAB initiative, which involved information gathering and needs assessment.  Implementation of the Regional Strategy is however meant to be inclusive, and as such, will solicit the cooperation and active participation of all Basel Party States in the region. 

The Regional Strategy specifically addresses both regional and national needs that have been identified through national reports and consultation forums.  It is based on the following nine strategic goals, each of which is accompanied by underlying objectives and timeframes:

  1. Secure commitment from relevant stakeholders to promote ESM for ULAB in accordance with the Basel Technical Guidelines;
  2. Assess the degree to which the ESM of ULAB is supported at the national level;
  3. Ensure national laws and compliance programs are sufficient to ensure ESM of ULAB;
  4. Implement national programs (in a regional context) to recover ULAB for ESM;
  5. Implement financial mechanisms to support the delivery and effectiveness of national ULAB recovery and recycling programs;
  6. Transition workers from informal ULAB facilities and operations to the formal ULAB recovery and recycling sector;
  7. Raise public awareness concerning the importance of proper battery use and ensuring ESM of ULAB;
  8. Identify remediation sites where lead contamination has been observed from ULAB activities; and
  9. Promote technical assistance, including capacity building and technology transfer, including safe battery handling, storage and transportation systems; blood lead monitoring and soil remediation techniques, to enhance the ESM of ULAB in the region.

The Strategy advocates that national ULAB recovery programs are economically sustainable, and where necessary, supported by financial intervention options (e.g. deposit-refund, purchase-discounts, waived-charges, advance recycling fees, or taxes).  However, financial and technical assistance from development and donor agencies will be required to support national efforts to establish ULAB recovery programs in some GRULAC States. 

Project documents:

  • Terminal Report
  • Final Report
  • Final Regional Strategy for the Environmentally Sound Management of Used Lead-Acid Batteries in Central America, Colombia, Venezuela and the Caribbean Island States (English, Spanish)

 

Year: 2005
Las existencias de plaguicidas obsoletos, constituyen un riesgo para la salud y el ambiente, dado que son un residuo constituido por sustancias químicas peligrosas. Además, en su calidad de residuo sin valor económico, en general se acumulan en condiciones inadecuadas en sitios no controlados. Por consiguiente, el riesgo se incrementa, porque existe exposición a los desechos debido al libre acceso de personas y animales al sitio; y por el deterioro de envases, vertido de los productos, y contaminación del sitio y su entorno.

Survey of the Capacity for the Destruction of Obsolete Pesticides and Remediation of Contaminated Sites in Latin America and the Caribbean

Las existencias de plaguicidas obsoletos, constituyen un riesgo para la salud y el ambiente, dado que son un residuo constituido por sustancias químicas peligrosas. Además, en su calidad de residuo sin valor económico, en general se acumulan en condiciones inadecuadas en sitios no controlados. Por consiguiente, el riesgo se incrementa, porque existe exposición a los desechos debido al libre acceso de personas y animales al sitio; y por el deterioro de envases, vertido de los productos, y contaminación del sitio y su entorno.

La gestión ambientalmente adecuada de una existencia de plaguicidas obsoletos puede agruparse en tres etapas a partir de su identificación e inventario inicial (estimación del volumen, tipo de producto y condiciones del depósito). 

  1. Caracterización y clasificación de los residuos, el reempaque y su acondicionamiento en un depósito transitorio seguro. 
  2. Transporte de los residuos para su disposición final y eliminación. 
  3. Estudio del sitio donde estaban depositados los residuos, evaluando el riesgo ecológico y para la salud. De acuerdo a los resultados de la evaluación, se ejecutan las medidas de remediación necesarias y se rehabilita el sitio.

Según datos disponibles (FAO, 2000), las existencias de plaguicidas obsoletos en la región son de aproximadamente 1.900 toneladas, aunque esta cifra no incluye la totalidad de los países y además es únicamente de carácter indicativo. Es claro que cualquier cifra representa solo parte del universo de existencias reales, y es probable que en el futuro se presenten nuevos hallazgos.

La información recabada durante el Inventario (fuentes: FAO, CropLife, autoridades nacionales), muestra que hasta el momento se han eliminado al menos 3.400 toneladas, incluyendo suelos y otros materiales contaminados. En cuanto a las alternativas de disposición final, se destaca que la gran mayoría de estos residuos se han exportado fuera de la región, lo que indica la falta de capacidad instalada para la destrucción en los países de América Latina y el Caribe.

Project documents:

 

Year: 2005
At the third meeting of the Expert Group on best available techniques (BAT) and best environmental practices (BEP) in Tokyo in October 2004, UNEP Chemicals foreshadowed a series of regional consultations on the draft guidance to assist countries prepare for the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Stockholm Convention (COP-1) to be held in May of 2005. It was considered that successful COP consideration, and subsequent use of the guidelines, would depend on participants’ understanding of the issues. It was important also that the guidance be representative of all regions.

Overview and Summary of Outcomes from the Regional Consultations on the Draft Guidelines on BAT and BEP relevant to Article 5 and Annex C of the Stockholm Convention

Overview and Summary of Outcomes from the Regional Consultations on the Draft Guidelines on BAT and BEP relevant to Article 5 and Annex C of the Stockholm Convention

At the third meeting of the Expert Group on best available techniques (BAT) and best environmental practices (BEP) in Tokyo in October 2004, UNEP Chemicals foreshadowed a series of regional consultations on the draft guidance to assist countries prepare for the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Stockholm Convention (COP-1) to be held in May of 2005. It was considered that successful COP consideration, and subsequent use of the guidelines, would depend on participants’ understanding of the issues. It was important also that the guidance be representative of all regions.

The schedule of the consultations was as follows:

  • 9-11 February 2005; For the Central and Eastern European region; Vienna, Austria.
  • 2-4 March 2005; For the Asia Pacific region; Wellington, New Zealand.
  • 7-9 March 2005; For the Central and South East Asia region; Bangkok, Thailand.
  • 14-16 March 2005; For the GRULAC region; Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • 21-23 March 2005; For the West Asia region; Manama, Bahrain.
  • 11-13 April 2005; For the Africa region; Nairobi, Kenya.

The objectives of the consultations were:

  • to inform countries of all aspects of the draft guidelines;
  • to identify where further guidance was needed to reflect regional needs;
  • and to help prepare countries for COP-1 discussions relating to the possible adoption of and further work on the guidelines.

The term “consultation” rather than “workshop” was used to make clear that these were not training sessions – UNEP was seeking informatio n from the regions, as well as providing them with information.

 Download the workshop report:

 

Year: 2004
The present publication aims to provide a practical guideline on the environmentally sound management of obsolete pesticides within the Latin America and Caribbean countries, and takes into consideration related aspects such as identification and stockpiles management, their handling as hazardous wastes, treatment alternatives, exportation, generation prevention and the obligations laid down by the international conventions of Basel, Stockholm and Rotterdam.

Practical Guideline on Environmentally Sound Management of Obsolete Pesticides in the Latin America and Caribbean Countries

Practical Guideline on Environmentally Sound Management of Obsolete Pesticides in the Latin America and Caribbean Countries

The present publication aims to provide a practical guideline on the environmentally sound management of obsolete pesticides within the Latin America and Caribbean countries, and takes into consideration related aspects such as identification and stockpiles management, their handling as hazardous wastes, treatment alternatives, exportation, generation prevention and the obligations laid down by the international conventions of Basel, Stockholm and Rotterdam.

The guideline is addressed to experts from different public or private agencies who are related to several aspects deriving from obsolete pesticides management. This publication presents a compilation of information obtained from different sources, especially FAO documents, Stockholm and Basel Convention, and hazardous wastes management in general. In particular it deals with the questions and recommendations that arose from the workshop entitled "Regional Co-operation for the Environmentally Sound Management of Pesticides Stockpiles, as a Contribution to the Stockholm and Basel Compliance through the Exchange of Experiences within the Latin America region" held in Caracas, Venezuela, from the 8 to 10 September 2004. The workshop conclusions and recommendations are presented in Annex I to this document.

The guideline elaboration jointly with the mentioned workshop is part of a Case Study the Basel Convention Coordinating Center for Latin America and the Caribbean did on transfer of technology. The Case Study was done with the purpose of contributing to the Feasibility Study on Technical Assistance that the Secretariat of Stockholm Convention did to implement capacity building and technology transfer in developing countries.

Acknowledging the problems obsolete pesticides stockpiles mean to the region, that a great number are persistent organic pollutants, and recognizing Venezuela's experience in dealing with them, the Basel Convention Coordinating Centre chose all this to develop the Case Study.

Download the report in English or Spanish