Norway introduces new stricter regulations on the export and import of plastic waste. The changes will make it easier for Norwegian authorities and entrepreneurs to be sure that plastic waste will go where it needs to be.
What changes
The changes are a result of the Norwegian proposal for a global waste agreement, the Basel Convention and changes to EU legislation that take into account new international regulations. Norwegian proposal for global change
Norway proposed this global change in 2019. We now have better control over the export of plastic waste. Unregulated trade has led to serious environmental and health problems, especially in poor countries. We are now reducing the risk of pollution and marine litter. Said the minister climate and environment Sveinung Rotevatn.
New recipes mean that those who export plastic waste that is mixed and non-recyclable must document in advance that the shipment is sent for environmentally friendly treatment at the recipient. The documentation must be submitted to the authorities in both the country of export and the country of import. This ensures that waste does not suffer an unknown fate. If something goes wrong, the exporter can be ordered to take back the waste.
Valuable waste
Plastic waste that has some value and is suitable for recycling can be exported without prior clearance. The regulations specify detailed criteria for which waste belongs and to what category. Basel Convention without the USA. The decision to tighten global regulations regarding plastic waste was taken at the meeting of the parties to the global agreement on waste and cross-border trade in waste, the so-called "Basel Convention".
Agreement
The agreement, which entered into force in 1992, has the support of 188 countries. United States they are the only major country not covered by this agreement. These policies are currently being implemented in Norway through changes in EU regulations regarding cross-border transport of waste of which Norway is part. The new EU rules are stricter than those contained in the convention. The EU imposes an export ban on problematic plastic waste to all non-OECD countries. In practice, Norway will do the same.
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As a result of new ones regulations more types of plastic waste will need to obtain prior approval for export or import than is currently the case. However, Norway does not extensively export or import plastic waste and already has a strict practice on household plastic waste collection. This practice will continue.
Increased control will make it easier to the Norwegian authorities and businesses to be sure that shipped plastics will not go astray. The regulations will also stimulate the sorting of plastic into clean fractions and thus promote material recycling and a circular economy. On November 10 Norwegian Environment Agency sent proposals for new rules for consultation with a four-week deadline. The management will also organize an information meeting on this matter. The new regulations will enter into force on January 01.01.2021, XNUMX.
