Technical expert group

Mandate

Decision BC-10/3 decided to complete the development of a framework for the environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes and other wastes, including consideration of ways in which the framework and its elements might be linked to the issue of transboundary movement of hazardous and other wastes.

A technical expert group was mandated to undertake the work outlined above, taking into account the elements listed in the annex to the decision. 

Members

The technical expert group consists of 30 members nominated by Parties based on equitable geographical representation of the five regional groups of the United Nations. Each regional group nominated through its Bureau representative six members with specific knowledge and expertise in the field.

The group is open to observers and may also call on additional experts as needed. 

Meetings

Annex to decision BC-10/3

Elements for the further development of a framework for the environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes and other wastes to be operationalized through tools or instruments for implementation and enforcement

Categories

In developing a framework for the environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes and other wastes, the environmentally sound management criteria and core performance elements under the work of the Basel Convention and other relevant organizations need to be considered, as do the following elements:

  1. Occupational health and safety matters (e.g., regarding safety, health, liability and emergency response);
  2. Environmental protection matters (e.g. prevention of pollution);
  3. Facility-related matters (e.g. regarding construction and infrastructure);
  4. Waste related matters (e.g. collection, sorting, pre-treatment, treatment, storage, downstream management);
  5. Emission related matters (e.g. emission limit values to air, water and soil);
  6. Organizational matters (e.g. valid licence or permit, monitoring, recordkeeping, information to be provided to authorities, aftercare, insurance, management abilities/training level environmental management systems);
  7. Regulatory matters (consistency/complementarity).

Existing tools and instruments operationalizing these elements may include the following:

  1. Legislation;
  2. Standards;
  3. Guidelines;
  4. Policies (e.g., green procurement);
  5. Codes of good practice;
  6. Voluntary agreements. 

Measures needed to implement these elements may include:

  1. Certification programmes;
  2. Licences and permits regularly validated;
  3. Training, awareness-raising and compliance promotion;
  4. Regular inspections and enforcement;
  5. Mechanisms for ensuring corrective action.