EVERY day, society produces large volumes of different types of waste. Some of these wastes are actually dangerous and can cause serious damage to our health, that of other living organisms, as well as, the environment. This week we will examine some ways in which hazardous wastes can be safely managed.

Did you know some countries dispose of their hazardous wastes in other countries?

The Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movement of Hazardous
Wastes and their Disposal, emerged as a result of companies from developed countries, paying less-developed countries to take their hazardous waste. Often the government of the importing country was not even aware that a private landowner had negotiated payments in exchange for storage of the hazardous waste. Most of the landowners accepting the waste were ill-equipped to safely store it without risking contamination to the environment and surrounding communities. Another way that companies and developed countries disposed of their hazardous waste was to sink it in the ocean, in international waters! This method also caused contamination. The Basel Convention restricts the transport and storage of hazardous waste across international boundaries.

What makes waste hazardous?
What is hazardous waste? Waste, of course, is anything that is no longer useful. Hazardous waste is something that is no longer useful, and which could be dangerous to humans and the environment if improperly disposed of or stored. Hazardous waste can come from industrial activities and household products. One way to know whether or not the waste is hazardous, is to look at its label. Any product labelled WARNING, CAUTION, POISONOUS, TOXIC, FLAMMABLE, CORROSIVE, REACTIVE or EXPLOSIVE should be considered hazardous. There are five main categories of hazardous waste.

Flammable
These are materials which could ignite easily. When stored in a normal landfill or warehouse, these materials could spontaneously combust or explode from friction, moisture or chemical changes and would burn for a long time. Often the smoke from these fires is toxic adding pollution to the already considerable threat from fire. Can you think of any such materials? Some examples are solvents, thinners, cleaners, adhesives, paints, waxes and polishes.

Corrosive
Materials that are corrosive to human tissue or containers are in a second category. This kind of waste usually has a pH of less than 2 (very strong acid) or greater than 12.5 (very strong base). These materials may burn skin, eyes or internal organs if a worker comes into contact with them. They may also corrode metal or plastic containers. Examples of corrosive hazardous waste are ammonia (window cleaners), bleach, drain openers and oven cleaners. Batteries from electronics such as cell phones, laptops and tablets as well as small batteries used in flashlights, cameras and clocks contain acid that is corrosive. Old car batteries are also corrosive hazardous waste.

Reactive
These wastes have the potential to react with air or water in a dangerous way. Explosives, gunpowder and ammunition are examples of reactive waste and should not be put in the landfill.

Toxic
Toxic waste is the largest category of hazardous waste. Anything that is strongly toxic to humans or other living organisms would be included here. The danger with toxic waste is that it could leak into the soil or groundwater, contaminating sources for domestic and agricultural uses. Pesticides, fertilizers, heavy metals and many household chemicals are all toxic. Radioactive waste is not covered by the Basel Convention because it is addressed in another treaty.

Infectious
These are known or reasonably expected to contain a pathogen e.g. bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi) or other agent that can cause diseases in humans or animals. Infectious wastes are usually found in hospitals and health clinics.
Hazardous waste is a problem in Guyana because profitable businesses create hazardous waste. Most household waste is disposed of in landfills where toxic and corrosive waste can leach into the soil and groundwater. In our current situation, we should concentrate on reducing our use of poisons and hazardous chemicals in our homes and businesses. We can also use rechargeable batteries and avoid disposing of cell phones, tablets and laptops as long as they can still be used.

According to the Basel Convention, countries are not allowed to transport their toxic waste across borders to store or dispose of in another country except in specific circumstances. For example, a country with the capacity to recycle some kind of hazardous waste could accept shipments from other countries. The Basel Convention also restricts sinking containers of hazardous waste in the ocean.

Who Regulates Hazardous Waste in Guyana?
The Environmental Protection Hazardous Wastes (HW) Management Regulations, 2000, authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to monitor HW and establish guidelines for the proper disposal, treatment, storage, transport and any other activity related to the handling of HW. Proper management of Hazardous Waste involves;

1. Registration with and Authorisation by EPA,
2. Having an emergency preparedness plan,
3. Proper storage and transport system
4. An environmentally sound disposal system

Guyana is a signatory to the Basel Convention, and the EPA is the National Focal Point in the country for the Convention. This means that the EPA will be the lead Agency in coordinating national actions in Guyana towards meeting the obligations under the Basel Convention.

C/O Environmental Communication, Education and Awareness programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, tele; 225-5467-9, facebook; Environmental Protection Agency- Guyana or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com