# EP

United Nations Environment Programme Distr. GENERAL

UNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12 28 April 1999

ORIGINAL: ENGLISH

./... Technical Working Group of the Basel Convention Fifteenth session Geneva, 12-14 April 1999

REPORT OF THE TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP

I. INTRODUCTION 1. The fifteenth session of the Technical Working Group took place in Geneva from 12-14 April 1999. II. PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING A. Opening of the meeting 2. The Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Basel Convention welcomed participants to the fifteenth session of the Technical Working Group. She thanked those Parties that provided additional voluntary contributions to enable a large number of experts from developing countries to attend this meeting. She further informed the group that this is the last meeting of the Technical Working Group before the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties that will take place in Basel, Switzerland from 6-10 December 1999. 3. The Chairman of the Technical Working Group also welcomed participants. He noted that the agenda for the meeting is heavy but was confident that the group would be able to go through it efficiently. B. Attendance 4. The meeting was attended by experts designated by the following Parties to the Convention: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Benin, Brazil, Bulgaria, Burundi, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, El Salvador, European Community, Finland, France, Gambia, Germany, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Malawi, Mauritania, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uruguay and Viet Nam. 5. The following observer State was represented: United States of America. 6. The following United Nations offices and intergovernmental organizations were represented: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), United Nations Institute for Training and ResearchUNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12

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./... (UNITAR) and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). 7. The following non-governmental organizations were represented at the meeting: Association of Plastics Manufacturers in Europe (APME), Basel Action Network (BAN), Bureau de Liaison des Industries du Caoutchouc de l’U.E. (BLIC), Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), European Association of Metals (EUROMETAUX), European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), European Metal Trade and Recycling Federation (EUROMETREC), European Tyre Recycling Association (ETRA), Greenpeace International, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), International Council on Metals and the Environment (ICME) and West Coast Environmental Law Association (WCELA). C. Officers 8. The following officers constituted the Bureau of the meeting:

Mr. William Scott, South Africa, Chairperson Mr. Hans Meijer, The Netherlands, Vice-Chairperson Ms. Maria Nazareth Farani Azevedo, Brazil, Rapporteur D. Agenda 9. The meeting adopted the following agenda: 1. Opening of the meeting 2. Organization of the meeting 3. Adoption of the Agenda 4. Review or adjustment of lists of wastes contained in Annexes VIII or IX (a)Application from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Youth and Family Affairs of Austria concerning adjustment of the entry B2060 (Spent activated carbon) of Annex IX (b)Application from the Ministry of Environment and Forests of India concerning Copper Oxide Mill Scale and PVC Coated Cables 5. Consideration of the draft technical guidelines on: (a) The environmentally sound management of biomedical and health care waste (b) The identification and management of used tyres (c) The identification and environmentally sound management of plastic waste and its disposal 6. Consideration of the work undertaken by Parties and Signatory on the hazard characteristics H6.2, H11, H12 and H13 7. Consideration of the wastes about which particular concerns are or have been expressed 8. Programme of work 9. Other matters 10. Closure of the meetingUNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12 Page 3

./... 10. The Chairman made a proposal on the order in which the items on the agenda would be considered by the meeting which was agreed upon by the meeting. III. PLENARY MEETINGS Agenda item 4(a) - Review or adjustment of lists of wastes contained in Annexes VIII or IX-Application from the Federal Ministry of Environment, Youth and Family Affairs of Austria concerning adjustment of the entry B2060 (Spent activated carbon) of Annex IX 11.Austria provided the meeting with background on the reasons for making the submission. Further to exchange of views and comments made by experts, the meeting agreed to forward the following proposal to the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties for its consideration and eventual adoption of the following amendment of the entry B2060 of Annex IX:

“For improvement, clarity and consistency between the listing A4160 and B2060, covering all spent activated carbon, whether hazardous or not, thus providing a better mirror listing, the following wording is proposed: Spent activated carbon not containing any Annex I constituents to an extent they exhibit Annex III characteristics for example carbon resulting from the treatment of potable water and processes of the food industry and vitamin production (note related entry on list A (A4160))” Agenda item 4(b) - Review or adjustment of lists of wastes contained in Annexes VIII or IX-Application from the Ministry of Environment and Forests of India concerning Copper Oxide Mill-Scale and PVC Coated Cables Copper oxide mill-scale 12. India provided the meeting with the motivation on their submission. In particular, the expert from India said that it was important to remove Copper oxide mill-scale from Annex IX (entry B1240) to avoid ambiguities as to their classification. She explained that this material is inert and does not exhibit any Annex III hazard characteristics. 13. Many experts took the floor to indicate that removal of Copper oxide mill-scale from Annex IX would provide uncertainties as to the status of this material when traded as wastes. The general understanding of the experts was that the material under consideration was not hazardous. Also, they emphasized that classifying a waste on the list B of Annex IX does not mean that the material considered is always a waste. However, if this material is considered a waste it will be classified as B1240 under Annex IX. 14. Noting that the explanations provided for removing Copper oxide millscale from Annex IX raised issues in regard to the use of Annex IX, one expert suggested that an information paper could be prepared relating to the purpose of the list of wastes in Annex IX. 15. The Chairman summarized the discussion: (a)A large majority of experts are not in favour of removing Copper oxide mill-scale from Annex IX

(b) The meeting concluded that there are very clear benefits for leaving Copper oxide mill-scale on Annex IX (c) It is important to learn from the experience in another forum regarding similar issues concerning classificationUNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12

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(d) The Secretariat of the Basel Convention is to prepare elements of an information paper for future Technical Working Group on the purpose of Annex IX PVC Coated Cables 16. India provided the meeting with background to the reasons for submitting the application. She informed the meeting that India would wish to keep the proposal on the agenda of future meeting of the Technical Working Group. Agenda item 5(a) - Consideration of the draft technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of biomedical and health care waste 17. Germany, as the lead country, made a presentation on the current status of the draft text of the guidelines. To supplement information, the Secretariat briefed the meeting on its cooperation with WHO, in particular the interest of WHO that work undertaken in the context of the Basel Convention be consistent with WHO guidelines. 18. Several experts, while commending Germany and other Parties that have worked on the draft, recognized the need to better capture in the document the needs and particular situation of developing countries. 19. Issues of the affordability of technologies as well as the environmental effects of their use and occupational health safety issues were raised by some experts who considered that such topics should be further discussed in the draft. 20.A number of Parties informed the meeting that the document could benefit from the experience gained at the national level and offered to make such experience available by providing national guidance documents. 21.A number of technical points were made by experts, including the need to address segregation and co-disposal of wastes; monitoring of fate of residues; that landfilling for untreated biomedical wastes is not allowed in some countries; need for more technical information on incineration. 22. One expert reminded the group of the need to ensure relationship between the development of these guidelines and work progressing on the hazard characteristic H6.2 (Infectious substances). 23. It was emphasized by some experts that more clarity should be brought into the document in regard to placing it in its proper context and that, for instance, for reasons of completeness and comprehensiveness reference to radio-active wastes appears in the document. 24. One expert said that in his country, concerns are being expressed regarding the recycling or recovery of wastes originating from hospitals. 25.Another expert reminded the Group of the work done by the fourteenth session of the Technical Working Group in particular the new structure it developed and the need to incorporate all chapters referred to in Annex 2 of the Report of the fourteenth session of the Technical Working Group in the guidelines. 26. The Chairman constituted a small working group chaired by Germany with the task of providing the Technical Working Group with way forward in the revision of the guidelines. 27. The small group discussed in particular how concerns expressed by developing countries could be reflected in the draft guidelines on biomedical and health care waste. The sub-group suggested to incorporate the elements presented by India and Pakistan among others.UNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12 Page 5

./... 28. In addition hereto the sub-group agreed that the following issues should be addressed: (a) cost effectiveness and comparison of alternative treatment options (b) assessment of the environmental impact (c) the problems of operation and maintenance of treatment facilities in developing countries (d) on- and off-site treatment of medical wastes (e)management of biomedical and health care waste as an integral part of the management and safety of the health care facility (hospitals or clinics) (f) revise the chapter on waste management auditing - include a point by point plan (checklist) in the guidelines (g) the problems related to recycling of biomedical and health care waste (h) training of persons involved with the management of biomedical and health care waste 29. It was further agreed that comments should be submitted to Germany by the end of May 1999 and that a revised draft of the guidelines should be made available for the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties.UNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12

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./... Agenda item 5(b) - Consideration of the draft technical guidelines on the identification and management of used tyres 30. Industry was invited by the Chairman to make a presentation of the revised version they prepared for the Technical Working Group. Industry thanked the authorities from the Netherlands for the preparation of the first draft of these guidelines. 31. The experts who took the floor thanked industry for all its efforts to develop the text of the technical guidelines considered to be a very useful document. 32. One expert said that several way forward could be followed to use the guidelines, eg: make national plans for used tyres, including for imported tyres if relevant; install appropriate facilities for disposal or recycling; prohibit import; ensure procedure is being applied by members of the European Community concerning export of used tyres. He also indicated that it would be important to asses how the guidelines are being applied in practice, for instance, in two years time. 33. Some experts informed the meeting that the import of used tyres for energy recovery or incineration is prohibited. One expert expressed theneed to include in the guidelines the alternative of producing friendly byproducts closest to the source of waste generation instead of importing used tyres for incineration or energy recovery to developing countries due to difficult implementation of and compliance with environmental controls. He also suggested the inclusion of “commercial by-products” in the “recycling” box in the diagram on page 2 of the guideline document. Another expert said that in her country import of used tyres was fully prohibited. 34. Several experts noted that there is a need to further develop or expand the section of the guidelines that deal with the potential risks to the environment, and to provide additional references concerning work done on leaching. 35. The Chairman summarized the discussion: (a) The Secretariat will finalize the technical guidelines incorporating comments made at this meeting as well as comments to be submitted to it preferably by 10 May 1999 (b) The meeting agrees that the document is in a suitable form to be submitted to the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties for adoption, with inclusion of comments as referred to above (c) The meeting takes note of the relevance of testing the use of the technical guidelines in 2 years time and to revise it as necessary Agenda item 5(c) - Consideration of the draft technical guidelines on the identification and environmentally sound management of plastic waste and its disposal 36. Industry, who prepared the revised technical guidelines, made a presentation to the meeting. Following this, the Chairman invited technical comments on the document.UNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12 Page 7

./... 37. Several experts who took the floor expressed concern as to references in the document that would pre-empt future discussion on the classification of PVC wastes and PVC coated cables in the context of the Basel Convention. 38. Cross-reference to relevant existing technical guidelines was mentioned by one expert who also said that the document could be improved by developing a better structure. 39. The issue of the costs involved in the disposal or recycling of plastic wastes as well as accessibility of appropriate technologies in developing countries was raised by some experts. Another expert pointed out that costs factors as well as safety factors should be considered. 40. Several experts confirmed the usefulness of the technical guidelines and the need to make them available as soon as possible. 41. Other experts expressed concerns at the lack of recycling facilities and limitation on recycling possibilities with the recurrent problems of unsound disposal of plastic wastes. Also, segregation of contaminated plastic wastes or equipment needed to be addressed. 42. Several experts said that the technical guidelines should be applicable, practical and technically feasible taking into account the particular situation of developing countries. 43. One expert suggested the inclusion of recycled plastics packaging which contained wastes of potentially toxic chemical substances as a waste of concern, given the potential impact on food and medical use. 44. One expert said that in her country concerns are expressed in regard to problems linked to the importation of contaminated plastic wastes. 45.Another expert explained that it would be preferable to have two separate documents, one for PVC wastes, another one for plastic wastes. 46. The Chairman summarized the discussion as follows:

• The meeting confirms the need and usefulness of the technical guidelines.

• Costs implications and realistic application to be considered.

• Take note of concern expressed in regard to references in the document that may prejudice conclusions of the work undertaken by the Secretariat of the Basel Convention, at the request of the Technical Working Group, on scientific information on PVC wastes and PVC coated cables, and streamlining of the document would be necessary to delete such references.

• The Secretariat will take charge of finalizing the draft technical guidelines. In order to do so, comments were invited from experts that should be submitted to the Secretariat preferably before 15 May 1999.UNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12

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./... Agenda item 6 - Consideration of the work undertaken by Parties and Signatory on the hazard characteristics H6.2, H11, H12 and H13 Hazard characteristic H6.2 (Infectious substances) 47. The United Kingdom, as lead country, made a presentation of their preliminary draft scoping paper and invited experts to provide further comments to enable him to review the paper. He pointed out to the particular consideration of the distinction between intrinsic hazard and risk-based approach. 48. Several experts took the floor on the issue of intrinsic versus riskbased approach and recognized that it is difficult to apply intrinsic hazard alone as the nature of the waste may change over time. They also emphasized that the WHO risk based classification of infectious substances represented a useful base for application. 49. One expert had a word of caution in regard to the fact that testing may not always be sufficient for infectiousness and that other assessment or means would need to be considered. Hazard characteristic H11 (Toxic (Delayed or chronic)) 50. The United States, as the lead country, introduced their draft scoping paper that was distributed to the participants and indicated that it would be useful to have a preliminary discussion on this paper, and invited experts to provide them with comments to assist in the further development of the scoping paper. 51. While some experts indicated that it was not appropriate to use risk and exposure assessment in the context of the Basel Convention but rather that assessment of the intrinsic hazard should be applied, other experts pointed out to the difficulties of applying intrinsic hazards alone to chronic toxicity. 52. One expert informed the meeting that in her country risk assessment approach is considered for H11 and applied in case of doubts of the nature of the wastes, testing in this case would be the responsibility of an independent accredited laboratory. Hazard characteristic H12 (Ecotoxic) 53. Denmark, as the lead country, introduced its draft scoping paper. She emphasized the step-wise approach adopted to make it a practicable and useable document. She indicated that step 3 (Tier 3) of the paper may not be applicable today as work by other intergovernmental organizations in this field was not completed. 54. One expert said that other aspects such as degradation products and endocrine disruption needed to be referred to in the paper. 55.Another expert emphasized that while designing a system that is practicable and affordable, it would be important to rely on information concerning the process that generate the waste or its composition. This would avoid unnecessary testing. He further noted that direct testing for ecotoxicity can be done and provide direct results but that other derived methods are necessary. 56.An expert said that the work on H12 is extremely useful for developing countries and that geographical and climatic conditions needed to be considered. Another expert supported this view and said that geographical, ecological and economic issues are to be considered in evolving work on H12. The issue of the importance of sampling was raised by one expert.UNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12 Page 9

./... 57.Another expert pointed out that the relationship of the work on H12 with other criteria (eg: H6; H11 and H13) needed to be discussed. 58. Some experts raised the issue of the applicability of extrapolating ecotoxicity tests on aquatic media to the terrestrial dimension, and the issue of the inapplicability of using criteria relevant to organic materials as opposed to inorganic materials, in particular to metal-bearing wastes. 59. The same experts indicated that there is a need to look at practical examples and the implications of the use of H12. Also, the issue of harmonization was important for existing applications internationally. 60. One expert acknowledged that the 1998 OECD recommendations for the classification of chemicals was useful and that the development of tests for terrestrial systems will take time. 61.A small group chaired by Denmark was set up to revise the draft scoping paper on H12. The group reported that there had been a fruitful discussion on especially the issues related to: (a) the definition of H12; (b) the special problem with the ecotoxicological hazard assessment of the metals; and (c) the use of the terrestrial effect data. It was agreed that Denmark should continue with the work to develop the H12 criteria and that a revised draft should be made available for the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties and for the next meeting of the Technical Working Group. Hazard characteristic H13 62. The European Community, as lead Party with Egypt, made a report on progress carried out so far on H13. 63. Many experts emphasized the usefulness of focusing attention on the practical use of H13. It was also recognized that other testing methods than leachate should be considered to progress with an issue that is very complex. One expert suggested to test for other substances, eg. dioxins. 64. One expert informed the meeting that in her country, when H13 would be applied for deposit underground the leachate test would be adequate. For other disposal operations, assessment of H13 would be required. 65.Another expert said that it was important to look at what materials are controlled under H13 by the Parties and that one way forward would be to look at the mandatory annual reporting by Parties under Article 13. In this regard, the Secretariat would assist by compiling relevant information from the 1995 and 1996 reporting of Parties. 66. While an expert expressed the view that H13 is a very particular characteristic and that there was a need to broaden the scope of application to include all Annex IV disposal options - noting that it is difficult to reduce application solely to the intrinsic hazard - another expert pointed out that it would not be useful to mix intrinsic hazards with the treatment of wastes and that application of H13 should focus on the waste and not on the disposal operations. Way forward for H6.2, H11, H12 and H13 67. The meeting commended the lead Parties and Signatory for their work in developing the scoping papers and recognized that further work is required. The meeting decided that the Secretariat should prepare a report to the next meeting of the Open-ended Ad Hoc Committee for the implementation of the Basel Convention, tentatively scheduled in late June1999, highlighting progress made in this work. This would assist the Openended Ad Hoc Committee to consider a decision prepared by the Technical Working Group for consideration by the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties.UNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12

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./... Agenda item 7 - Consideration of the wastes about which particular concerns are or have been expressed 68. The experts who took the floor thanked the Secretariat for having prepared a better structured document making it possible to progress with the matter. 69. Discussion took place on each of the six wastes identified by the Technical Working Group as being of concern. A number of comments were made by experts in regard to the way forward and how to deal with these wastes. In this regard, one expert said that the Technical Working Group has spent a lot of time on this issue and that, now it should be possible to make submissions for placement of some of these wastes on Annex VIII or IX. He further said that his country is ready to make applications for asbestos (forms other than dust and fibres) and for ceramic-based fibres of physico-chemical characteristics similar to those of asbestos. 70. The issue of the need to consider the scope of Annex I was raised by a few experts noting, however, that this would have effects on the scope of the Convention. 71. One expert informed the meeting that he will present an information paper concerning waste brake fluids, in particular focussing on concentration limits for contamination by waste oils. 72. Some experts noted that some of the wastes could be identified in Annex I to the Convention, while other experts still had difficulties with Annex I classification for these wastes. 73. One expert informed the meeting that the OECD has made available technical information to assist Parties in making submissions on several wastes. Another expert said that it would be important to take into account work undertaken under the UNEP auspices regarding persistent organic pollutants. 74. The Chairman summarized the discussion on each of the six wastes considered: (a)Asbestos (forms other than dust and fibres)

• Applications for this waste will be made by a Party for its placement on Annex VIII or Annex IX using the Application Form Procedure agreed upon by the Technical Working Group. This application should assist in clarifying issues raised in regard to the specific materials to be considered. (b) Ceramic-based fibres of physico-chemical characteristics similar to those of Asbestos

• Applications for this waste will be made by a Party for its placement on Annex VIII or Annex IX using the Application Form Procedure agreed upon by the Technical Working Group.

• Work completed within the European Community on the classification of this material in the chemical area should be taken into consideration.

• A further breakdown of the different ceramic-based fibres is required to better assessed which ones would exhibit Annex III hazard characteristics. (c)Aluminium skimmingsUNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12 Page 11

./... • The proposed step-wise approach described in the Technical Sheet No. 3 of document UNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/4 was retained as a useful way forward. In this regard, section (b) of the step-wise approach should apply to the waste classified on Annex IX (entry B1100). Section (b) reads as follows: “(b)Aluminium skimmings that are flammable or emit upon contact with water flammable gases (H4.3) should be assessed by the Competent Authority in regard to its environmentally sound management.” (d) Surface active agents (Surfactants)

• A further breakdown of the different surfactants species is required to better assessed which ones would exhibit Annex III hazard characteristics.

• Annex I entries Y4 and Y17 could be suitable for certain surfactants.

• Applications could then be made to classify specific surfactants in Annex VIII or IX.

• Note to be taken on the limited capacity of developing countries to recycle surfactants (e) Waste brake fluids

• A Party is preparing a paper on the issue of concentration of hazardous constituents to assist in the classification of materials contaminated with oil. (f) Silver halides

• Uncertainty remains as to the identification of silver halides in Annex I to the Basel Convention (Y16?)

• Entries B1180 and B1190 of Annex IX encapsulate waste photographic film and paper containing silver halides and metallic silver. 75. The meeting agreed that the best way forward for countries experiencing difficulties with these wastes would be to make a submission to the Technical Working Group using the Application Form Procedure. Agenda item 8 - Proposed work programme of the Technical Working Group 76. The Secretary to the meeting introduced the document in front of the meeting emphasizing that the elements of the programme of work are those decided upon by the fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties and further elaborated by the Technical Working Group at its thirteenth and fourteenth sessions (April 1998 and November 1998). 77.Australia confirmed its offer to prepare a first draft of the technical guidelines on the recycling/reclamation of metals and metal compounds (R4) subject to availability of financial resources. The meeting welcomed this offer. 78. One expert indicated that the Technical Working Group should consider to carry forward work related to the management and disposal of wastes of certain Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). He indicated that his country supported the inclusion of two specific tasks related to POPs in the work programme of the Technical Working Group, namely: (a) Consider the classification of waste pesticides destined forUNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12

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reformulation together with details of recovery operations of concern (Task I); (b) Issue guidance notes or materials as necessary to the organizations involved in PIC and POPs on the classification and hazard characterization of wastes within the framework of the Basel Convention (Task VI). He also said that the Technical Working Group should include in its programme the issue of the stockpiling for the purpose of disposal/ destruction, or for recycling as it has many similarities with operations D15 or R13 of Annex IV, and therefore would be of relevance to the Basel Convention. 79. Some discussion took place on the appropriateness of consideringamending Annex I. In this regard, several experts stressed that a case-bycase basis should be considered. One expert explained that revision of Annex I could be done in a similar way as for the placement of wastes on the lists contained in Annexes VIII and IX. Another expert said that the Technical Working Group could develop a procedure or mechanism for Annex I similar to the one adopted by the Technical Working Group for the placement or removal of wastes on Annex VIII or IX. The need to look at implications of any changes of Annex I to Annex VIII or IX was raised by an expert. 80. One expert indicated that priority should be given to Task I on hazard characteristics, including initiation of work on the hazard class H10. 81. Another expert said that it would be important for the Technical Working Group to consider those elements that are either not addressed or inadequately covered in the programme of work. He referred, in particular, to the need for the Technical Working Group to address the issues of the prevention and monitoring of illegal traffic, capacity building and the widening of the work on environmentally sound management. 82. The meeting agreed to the elements contained in the programme of work annexed to this Report, and to submit it to the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties. Agenda item 9 - Other matters 83. The Secretary presented document UNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/3 concerning Global Harmonization of Systems of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, and indicated that the Secretariat would welcome any guidance from the Technical Working Group on how to improve cooperation with the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, in particular in relation to the work undertaken by the Technical Working Group on the hazard characteristics H6.2, H11, H12 and H13. 84. One expert reminded the meeting of the Declaration of the African Group on the need for the Basel Convention to take into account the specific problems of the African countries made at the fourteenth session of the Technical Working Group in November 1998 (ref. Annex 7 of the Report of the fourteenth session of the Technical Working Group). 85. The expert from the U.S.A. informed the meeting that in view of Task VII of the programme of work relating to harmonization between the OECD and the Basel Convention, and recognizing the additional work this cooperation may entail for the Secretariat, the United States has increased its voluntary contribution to the Secretariat of the Basel Convention. In addition to this voluntary contribution, the United States will provide US$300,000 in funding for several regional centre projects. 86. The Technical Working Group initiated discussion on the issue of the dismantling of ships. Experts noted that this is an issue that is complexUNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12 Page 13

./... and entails legal, technical, occupational health and financial aspects. The meeting agreed that this is an issue of relevance to the Basel Convention and noted that the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is working on the matter. 87. Several experts supported a step-wise approach in dealing with this issue and emphasized the need to obtain factual information. 88. One expert informed the meeting that special consideration should be given to the fact that ships from developed countries are sunk in the Caribbean region as artificial reefs and dive attractions. There have been cases where ships have been sent to the Caribbean without having been stripped or cleaned of residues. Consequently, partial dismantling of ships for such purposes need to be considered. 89. One expert informed the group of the activities initiated by his country on this issue and informed the meeting that relevant reports on this matter will be made available to the Joint meeting of the Technical Working Group with the Consultative Sub-group of Legal and Technical Experts that will take place just after the Technical Working Group. Another expert said that his country will provide the Secretariat of the Basel Convention with report on this issue.UNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12

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./... 90. One expert said that cleaner production of ships would be important so less hazardous wastes would be generated at the site where ships are dismantled. He emphasized that cooperation was required to assist in improving the situation regarding dismantling of ships. 91. The Chairman summarized the discussion: (a) This is an important issue to consider in the context of the Basel Convention (b) There is yet more factual information to be collected on the topic (c) Cooperation with IMO is important 92. In regard to the issue of dismantling of ships, the Technical Working Group agreed to the following step-wise approach: (a) Requests the Secretariat of the Basel Convention to collect and compile all the studies and data concerning the dismantling of ships made available by Parties and Signatories of the Basel Convention, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations (b) Invites the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties, taking into account work ongoing at the Marine Environment Protection Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), to consider giving a mandate to the: (i) Technical Working Group to collaborate with the IMO on the subject of dismantling of ships and to prepare guidelines for the environmentally sound management of the dismantling of ships (ii)Consultative Sub-group of Legal and Technical Experts of the Basel Convention to discuss the legal aspects under the Basel Convention relating to coverage of ships meant for dismantling with a view to identifying practical ways to ensure that the Convention’s requirements and objectives are satisfied, and to report to the Technical Working Group on the outcome of its work (c)Also requests the Secretariat of the Basel Convention to send a representative to the next Marine Environment Protection Committee of IMO, that will meet from 28 June to 2 July 1999, to make a statement reflecting the above-mentioned proposed cooperation and to report to the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties on progress in cooperation (d) Further invites IMO to inform the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties on its work on this issue 93. The meeting requested that the above-agreed step-wise approach should be transmitted to the second session of the Joint meeting of the Technical Working Group with the Consultative Sub-group of Legal and Technical Experts (14-16 April 1999).UNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12 Page 15

./... IV. CLOSURE OF THE MEETING 94. After the usual exchange of courtesies, the Chairman of the Technical Working Group declared the meeting closed at 12.45 hrs. on 14 April 1999.UNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12

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./... ANNEX PROGRAMME OF WORK UNTIL THE FIFTH MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES (DECEMBER 1999)

Tasks Activities Responsibility I. Hazard characterization and classification of wastes 1. Contribution to the report of the Technical Working Group to the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties on: (a) Review of applications (b) Status of wastes on list C (c) Review or adjustment of lists of wastes contained in Annexes VIII and IX (d) Wastes about which particular concerns are or have been expressed SBC SBC SBC

SBC

2. The consideration of: (a) Finalization of scoping papers on hazard characteristics H6.2; H11; H12 and H13 (b) Initiation of work on the hazard characteristic H10 Parties and Signatory
Party(ies) 3. Review of available and forthcoming scientific information concerning the evaluation of the potential environmental health effects of the disposal of PVC wastes and PVC coated cables (draft) SBC

4. Consideration of the following activities as part of the future work programme of the Technical Working Group: (a) Implementation of a work programme on dioxins and dibenzofurans (b) Classification of waste pesticides destined for reformulation together with details of recovery operations of concern (see also section VI-3) TWGUNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12 Page 17

Tasks Activities Responsibility

./... II. Technical guidelines/ guidance documents 1. Consideration of the preparation of technical guidelines, as part of the future work programme of the Technical Working Group, on:(a) Waste batteries (b) Monitoring and closure plans for the facilities (guidance to operators) (c) Recycling/reclamation of metals and metal compounds (R4) (d) Wastes resulting from surface treatment of metals and plastics (Y17) TWG

III. Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) 1. Initiate work with the WCO on the issue of correlation of the lists of wastes of the Basel Convention with the HS codes; SBC to liaise with UNCETDG, IMO and OECD (see also section VI-4) SBC

2. Propose a framework and action for ensuring proper reflection of the wastes covered by the Basel Convention in the HS, and further explore relationship of the Basel Convention and HS codes with the UN Recommendations on the transport of dangerous goods (see also section VI-4) Expanded Bureau and SBC

IV. Annex II of the Basel Convention Contribution to the Report of the Technical Working Group to the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties on the issue of Annex II (ie: scope of the Annex) SBC

V. Annex VII (Analysis) Being considered by the Joint meeting of the Technical Working Group with the Consultative Sub-group of Legal and Technical Experts (progress to be reported to the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties) Joint meeting of the TWG with theConsultative Subgroup of Legal and Technical ExpertsUNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12

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Tasks Activities Responsibility

./... VI. Cooperation with UNEP Chemicals and relevant organizations Prior informed consent (PIC) for hazardous chemicals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs): (a) Provide technical guidance to the Secretariat of the Basel Convention on matters pertaining to coordination among intergovernmental bodies responsible or involved in developing legally binding instruments for hazardous chemicals to ensure there is no overlap with or gaps between these instruments and the Basel Convention (b) Issue guidance notes or materials as necessary to the organizations involved in PIC and POPs on the classification and hazard characterization of wastes within the framework of the Basel Convention TWG

VII. Work on harmonizationHarmonization of lists of wastes and related procedures concerning transboundary movements of wastes and hazardous wastes at the world level: Provide guidance to the Secretariat of the Basel Convention on technical implications and modalities required to aim at achieving compatibility among the different international/regional systems dealing with the control of transboundary movements of wastes and hazardous wastes. The Secretariat of the Basel Convention to cooperate closely with OECD on this matter. TWG

VIII. Other tasks agreed upon by the fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Decision IV/24) 1. Regional centres for training and technology transfer Provision of technical input or guidance to assist in the establishment and operation of the regional centres TWG

2. Recovery, hazardous wastes minimization and cleaner production: (a) Continue with the work of selecting hazardous waste susceptible to cleaner production approaches within the framework of the Basel Convention (b) Further initiate case studies on recovery of hazardous waste and assessment of recovery facilities TWGUNEP/CHW/WG.4/15/12 Page 19

Tasks Activities Responsibility IX. Report to the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties To report to the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties on progress made in the implementation of its work programme for 1998-1999 (including activities completed so far) TWG

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