International Conventions and Agreements on Hazardous Waste

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal is an international treaty that aims to reduce the transboundary movement of hazardous waste and to minimize the generation of such waste.

The Rotterdam Convention aims to promote the informed consent procedure for certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade, in order to protect human health and the environment.

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) aims to reduce and eventually eliminate the production, use, and release of persistent organic pollutants into the environment.

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer aims to reduce the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) aims to prevent, reduce, and eliminate marine pollution from ships, including pollution by oil, chemicals, sewage, and garbage.

The London Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter aims to prevent marine pollution by dumping of wastes and other matter from ships, aircraft, and platforms.

The Helsinki Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area aims to protect the marine environment of the Baltic Sea from pollution and other harmful effects.

The Paris Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Land-Based Sources aims to prevent marine pollution from land-based sources, such as industrial discharges, sewage, and agricultural runoff.

The MARPOL Convention includes regulations to reduce air pollution from ships, such as limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.

The Basel Ban Amendment to the Basel Convention bans the export of hazardous waste from developed to developing countries, except for certain specific cases.

The OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic aims to protect the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic Ocean from pollution and other harmful effects.

The Waigani Convention on the Protection and Management of the Marine and Coastal Environment of the Pacific Ocean aims to protect the marine environment of the Pacific Ocean from pollution and other harmful effects.

The Geneva Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution aims to reduce air pollution from mobile sources, such as vehicles, by setting emission standards.

The Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of Transboundary Movement and Management of Hazardous Wastes within Africa aims to protect the environment of Africa from hazardous waste.