Question NW3422 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs
06 October 2015 - NW3422
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
(1) Whether her Department has developed policies and mechanisms to prevent America and Europe from dumping old computers in the country under the guise of donations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; and (2) Whether her Department has any programme in place (a) to educate the public and (b) create awareness about the risks of cancer and neurological disorders that could be caused by electronic waste?
Reply:
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS REPLIES:
1. The Department is the competent authority for the Basel Convention which controls the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal. The Department ensures that the Basel Convention is complied with by implementing the control system. Developed countries are not allowed to export wastes to developing countries for disposal purposes. Information Technology Association of Canada controls the imports of second-hand goods through the Second-hand Goods Act – by providing conditions for imports of second-hand goods, including electrical and electronic goods, which then ensures that no used goods are imported into the country under the guise of donations.
2. (a and b)
The Department provides education and awareness training to provinces and municipalities on the legislation and policies developed, which includes the Waste Act; and emphasis is always on prevention for the protection of the environment and health. The Waste Act classifies Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) as hazardous waste. Other regulations that outlines specific measures related to WEEE include the National Waste Information Regulations and Waste Classification and Management Regulations. This information is made available to the public. The Department also envisages that there will be a waste-stream specific education and awareness training programme, linked to the industry waste management plans, which is expected to be provided by the WEEE sector. The programme should provide effective communication that informs EEE consumers about the potential dangers of improper, and the potential value of proper e-Waste treatment and disposal. These campaigns will have to be of a general public nature using various media.
END