Technical Working Group to prepare draft technical guidelines for the 

environmentally sound management 

of hazardous wastes subject to the Basel Convention 

Eleventh session 

Manchester, 9-13 September 1996 

Report of the Technical Working Group

I. INTRODUCTION 

1. The eleventh session of the Technical Working Group (TWG) took place in 

Manchester from 9-13 September 1996. 

2. The meeting was convened in accordance with decision III/1 (Amendment to 

the Basel Convention), decision III/12 (Hazard characterization) and decision 

III/26 (Cooperation with UN bodies, specialized agencies and regional systems 

and organizations) adopted by the Conference of the Parties at its third meeting. 

II. PROCEEDINGS OF THE MEETING 

A. Opening of the meeting 

3. The Chairman of the Technical Working Group, Mr. Peter Hinchcliffe, 

welcomed participants. He referred to the mandate of the Group and noted that 

the agenda in front of the meeting was heavy. He thanked the Government of the 

United Kingdom for hosting the meeting in Manchester. 

4. In her introductory words the Executive Secretary extended the Secretariat's 

gratitude to the Government of the United Kingdom for the perfect organization in 

hosting this meeting and for having made possible the participation of a large 

number of experts from developing countries and countries with economies in 

transition. She emphasized that the United Kingdom was among the most active 
governments behind the effective implementation of the Basel Convention. The 

Executive Secretary emphasized that there was a need to work further on hazard 

characterization and lists of hazardous wastes as a matter of priority and said 

she was confident that work will proceed in a constructive manner allowing the 

Technical Working Group to provide the fourth meeting of the Conference of the 

Parties in 1997 with the input and guidance requested by the meeting of the 

Conference of the Parties in 1995. 

5. In his opening address, Mr. Paul Britton, Director of the Environment 

Protection Strategy and Waste Directorate of the Department of the Environment 

of the United Kingdom expressed his pleasure to address and officially open the 

meeting noting that the United Kingdom is fully committed to the Basel 

Convention which is a relatively young Convention. He emphasized that the 

Basel Convention has now over 100 contracting Parties and that progress is 

being made in areas such as training and capacity building in the environmentally 

sound management of hazardous wastes. Further work is needed for the 

development of a workable and scientifically sound hazard characterization 

system not only for the implementation of the amendment to the Convention but 

for the future operation of the Convention. He referred to a number of important 

developments in the U.K. in relation to the subject of the environmentally sound 

management of hazardous wastes. The strategy document sets out the plan for 

monitoring progress towards achieving sustainable waste management policies 

eg. by reducing the proportion of waste going to landfill from 70 to 60% by the 

year 2005. The tax on landfill is to be introduced effective 1 October. He 

emphasized that as an important development, the establishment in 1 April 1996 

of the new Environmental Protection Agency for England and Wales and Scottish 

Environment Protection Agency. The Agencies are regulating the control over 

waste in their respective territories which includes the function of competent 

authority for the purpose of transboundary shipments of wastes under the Basel 

Convention. 
6. The Management Plan for Exports and Imports of Waste, effective 1 June 

1996 is legally binding and minimizes the transboundary movements of wastes 

and their disposal and bans all exports and most imports for disposal. Exports of 

wastes for recovery are allowed to OECD countries but, with certain limited 

exceptions are banned to non-OECD countries. Imports of wastes for genuine 

recovery can continue. Movement of wastes in contravention to this plan is a 

criminal offense. The G7 summit in Lyon (France) earlier this year agreed on 

condemning international criminal activities in such areas as illegal trade of 

hazardous wastes, ozone-depleting substances and endangered species. He 

referred to the convening of a seminar in October 1996 by the Department of 

Environment on this issue. Mr. Paul Britton wished the experts good progress in 

their work and fruitful outcome of the meeting. 

B. Attendance 

7. The meeting was attended by experts designated by the following Parties to 

the Convention: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Brazil, 

Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, 

Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, European Community, Finland, France, 

Germany, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, 

Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, 

Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russian 

Federation, Senegal, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sweden, 

Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay and Zambia. 

8. The following observer States were represented: Ethiopia, Gambia and the 

United States of America. 

9. The following intergovernmental organizations were represented: Organization 

for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations 

Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). 
10. Greenpeace and the following industry non-governmental organizations were 

represented at the meeting: British Secondary Metals Association (BSMA), 

Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), Eurometaux, Eurometrec, European 

Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), European Federation of Waste Management 

(FEAD), Integrated Skills Limited, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), 

International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI), Japan Mining Industry Association 

(JMIA)and the Mining Association of Canada. 

C. Officers 

11. The following officers continued their mandate: 

Mr. Peter Hinchcliffe, U.K., Chairperson 

Ms. Lakshmi Ragupathy, India, Vice-Chairperson 

Mr. Ibrahima Sow, Senegal, Rapporteur 

D. Agenda 

12. The meeting adopted the following agenda: 

1. Opening of the meeting. 

2. Adoption of the agenda. 

3. Organizational matters. 

4. Hazard characterization and classification of wastes: 

a) Consideration and review of the preliminary lists of wastes prepared by the 

Technical Working Group; 

b) Consideration and review of the revised draft position paper on hazard 

characterization and classification of wastes within the framework of the Basel 

Convention; 
c) Consideration of possible elements for a review process; 

d) Future work programme. 

5. Consideration and review of the draft text of the physico-chemical (D9) and 

biological (D8) treatment technical guidelines. 

6. Consideration of possible further proposals to be submitted to the World 

Customs Organization for the separate identification of hazardous wastes in the 

Harmonized System. 

7. Other matters. 

8. Adoption of the Report. 

9. Closure of the meeting. 

E. Organization of the meeting 

13. Mr. Pierre Portas introduced the documentation available to the meeting: 

UNEP/CHW/WG.4/11/2 Consolidated preliminary list of wastes placed on list A 

and on list B 

UNEP/CHW/WG.4/11/3 List C - Wastes awaiting classification by the Technical 

Working Group 

UNEP/CHW/WG.4/11/3/Add.1 List C - Wastes awaiting classification by the 

Technical Working Group 

UNEP/CHW/WG.4/11/4 Elements which could be considered by the Technical 

Working Group concerning the establishment of the review process 

UNEP/CHW/WG.4/11/5 Revised draft position paper on hazard characterization 

and classification of wastes within the framework of the Basel Convention 

UNEP/CHW/WG.4/11/6 Chairman's paper on clean uncontaminated metal scrap 

in bulk finished form 
UNEP/CHW/WG.4/11/7 Draft text of the Physico-chemical and Biological 

Treatment Technical Guidelines 

UNEP/CHW/WG.4/11/Inf.2 Case study on the recovery of hazardous wastes in 

Estonia at an oil shale distillation unit in Narva 

UNEP/CHW/WG.4/11/Inf.3 Information received from Parties on wastes placed 

on list A and on list B 

UNEP/CHW/WG.4/11/Inf.4 Separate identification of hazardous wastes in the 

Harmonized System of the World Customs Organization 

III. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS 

14. The Chairman indicated that it was important to carry forward the work in 

several stages: (a) consideration of the work programme identified at the tenth 

session of the Technical Working Group which was held in Kuala Lumpur on 22-

26 April 1996; (b) assessment of the information received for the placement of Clisted wastes; and (c) procedural matters related to the preparation of the lists of 

wastes. 

15. The Chairman also emphasized that the lists of wastes are dynamic and that 

it would be useful, while presenting the lists to the next meeting of the 

Conference of the Parties to indicate that there is a need to keep such lists under 

review. 

16. A general discussion then took place on the agreed consolidated lists A and 

B submitted to the meeting. In his opening statement, the Chairman reminded 

the meeting of the issues which the TWG in Kuala Lumpur agreed needed further 

input. They concern: 

A24 Waste substances and articles containing, consisting of or contaminated 

with polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), polychlorinated terphenyl (PCT), or 

polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), including any other polybrominated analogues of 

these compounds, at a concentration level of 50 mg/kg or more 
A27 Wastes that contain, consist of or are contaminated with any of the following: 

- any congenor of polychlorinated dibenzo-furan 

- any congenor of polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxin 

B2 Metal bearing wastes arising from melting, smelting and refining of metals: 

- Hard zinc spelter 

- Zinc-containing drosses: 

- Galvanizing slab zinc top dross (>90% Zn) 

- Galvanizing slab zinc bottom dross (>92% Zn) 

- Zinc die casting dross (>85% Zn) 

- Hot dip galvanizers slab zinc dross (batch)(>92% Zn) 

- Zinc skimmings 

- Aluminium skimmings 

- Slags from precious metals [and copper] processing for further refining 

- Tantalum bearing tin slags with less than 0.5% tin. 

B7 Text in brackets which reads "Sag from copper production, chemically 

stabilized, having a high iron content (above 20%) and processed according to 

industrial specifications (eg. DIN 4301 and DIN 8201) mainly for construction and 

abrasive applications" 

B15 Clean, uncontaminated metal scrap, including alloys, in bulk finished form 

which was dealt with in the Chairman's note. 

17. The Chair proposed a sub-working group to deal with the issues of de 

minimis and copper slags and to make proposals to plenary. The sub-group was 

to be chaired by the Vice-Chairperson of the TWG, Ms. Lakshmi Ragupathy 

(India). 

18. The experts from the following Parties and observer State raised additional 

issues that needed to be addressed in regard to list A and list B: 
Austria: De minimis approach could be applied to A2 and B1 to ensure clarity. 

Bahrain: Need to elaborate on the explanatory note for A26 (Asbestos (dusts and 

fibres)). 

Canada: Important to use the term "waste" when qualifying materials on list A 

and list B. 

Expressed concern over the use of "prepared to specifications" for entries B8 

and B9, for example waste paper not prepared to specifications should not 

automatically be considered hazardous. 

France: Expressed the need to ensure clarification between the entry A33 (Coal 

fired power plant fly ash containing Annex I substances in concentrations 

sufficient to exhibit Annex III characteristics) and entry B17 (Coal fired power 

plant fly ash, not included on list A) and volunteered to provide information. 

Indonesia: Confirmed the importance to have two separate entries for fly ashes 

and provided the meeting with supporting evidence. 

Sri Lanka: Brought the attention of the meeting to the distinction to be made 

between textile dyes and food dyes. 

U.S.A.: Expressed concern over A22 (Single use cameras with batteries) and 

offered to provide information on such cameras. 

19. The outcome of the discussion and decisions adopted on the assessment of 

wastes placed on list C and in the additional information are referred to in 

Appendix 1 to the Report. 

IV. PLENARY MEETINGS

Agenda item 4 a) (Consideration and review of the preliminary lists of wastes 

prepared by the Technical Working Group) 
20. The Chairperson of the sub-working group on copper slag and de minimis 

limits reported to the Plenary meeting at the morning session on 10 September 

1996. The mandate of the sub-group was to consider the need for and numerical 

value of de minimis limits for certain entries on the lists A and B, and to decide

whether the copper slag entries on B2 and B7, currently bracketed, should be 

retained (see report of the group under Section VII). 

21. To advance with the work, the meeting decided to have the sub-working 

group on Metals meet to review the metallic wastes or wastes containing metals 

entries on list C as well as in the new proposals received and to report on 

progress to the plenary. The sub-working group was chaired jointly by Germany 

and India (see Section VII). 

22. An expert drew the attention of the group on a paper prepared by UNEP/FAO 

on the relationship of the Basel Convention and the development of a legally 

binding instrument for the application of the prior informed consent (PIC). The 

group felt that it was not necessary for the PIC instrument to cover hazardous 

wastes which were already the subject of the Basel Convention. 

23. It was agreed that the TWG will submit a note to bring these matters to the 

attention of the next meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for 

an International Legally Binding Instrument for the Application of the Prior 

Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in 

International Trade (Nairobi, 16-20 September 1996) (ref. document 

UNEP/CHW/WG.4/11/8). 

24. Concerning off specification and outdated toxic chemicals (C14), the group 

recognized the need to draft this entry in a way that would not pre-judge the 

waste non-waste issue. 

25. In connection with entry B15 the TWG had requested a note from the 

Chairman and Chair persons of the sub-working group 1 (Kuala Lumpur, April 
1996) providing explanations as to the reasons why the materials in questioon 

were not considered to be hazardous. The Chairman presented paper 

UNEP/CHW/WG.4/11/6 (Chairman's paper on clean uncontaminated metal scrap 

in bulk finished form). 

Agenda item 4 b) (Consideration and review of the revised draft position paper 

on hazard characterization and classification of wastes within the framework of 

the Basel Convention) 

26. The meeting reviewed the draft position paper and indicated that once 

revised, it should be presented to the next meeting of the TWG for further 

consideration. The meeting also indicated that such document would usefully 

accompany the lists of wastes being prepared. The TWG requested SBC to 

revise the document. 

Agenda item 4 c) (Consideration of possible elements for a review process) 

27. The meeting considered this paper, in particular the form attached and made 

some changes on it. It also considered the list of questions and decided that SBC 

should send out these questions to Parties and observers, as revised, to seek 

their views. The group agreed that such comments should reach the Secretariat 

by the end of November 1996. 

Agenda item 4 d) (Future work programme) 

28. The meeting drew up a list of issues that it considered should form part of the 

work programme of the TWG. It consisted of: 

(a) Consideration of the outstanding proposals submitted to the TWG for 

placement of wastes that could not be assessed during this meeting; 

(b) Continuation of the work on hazard characterization; 
(c) Preparation of technical guidelines for or guidance materials on clinical 

wastes, waste batteries and used pneumatic tyres; 

(d) Further work on dioxins and dibenzofurans A27; 

(e) Consideration of the following wastes for placement on lists 

• Coal fly ash 

• Scrap of polymers and co-polymers 

• Scrap halogenated polymers1 

(f) 2Problems arising from the classification of pesticides destined for 

reformulation 

(g) Consideration of the matter referred to by the COP in its decision III/1 

(Amendment to the Basel Convention) concerning guidelines in relation to Article 

11 Agreements 

(h) Consideration of the paper prepared by the World Industry Group on "Some 

remaining challenges for the Basel Convention"3 

29. A number of editorial comments on lists A and B were discussed by the 

group together with the suggestions that the lists A and B be re-arranged in a 

more logical sequence and that they be checked for consistency of wording. 

30. The reports of the sub-working group considering the issue of copper slags 

and de minimis limits and of the sub-working group on metals are to be found 

under Section VII of the Report. The TWG reviewed the conclusions of the 

reports and consequent decisions on listing are to be found in Appendix I to the 

Report. The report of the sub-working group considering the draft technical 

guidelines on physico-chemical and biological treatment is also found under 

Section VII. 

Agenda item 5 (Consideration and review of the draft text of the physicochemical (D9) and biological (D8) treatment technical guidelines) 

1. At the invitation of the Chairman a small expert group was set up to undertake a 

preliminary review of the draft text of the physico-chemical and biological 

treatment technical guidelines (see report under Section VII). 
1 In the case of Y45 polymers, the Chairman suggested that delegates gathered 

information about the status of these materials in their country and any problems 

caused by them. 

2 The Chair invited the concerned expert to provide the group with a paper 

outlining the particular recovery operations of concern. 

3 Greenpeace undertook to provide their thoughts on the remaining challenges 

for the TWG's work programme to the next meeting. 

Agenda item 6 (Consideration of possible further proposals to be submitted to the 

World Customs Organization for the separate identification of hazardous wastes 

in the Harmonized System) 

32. The TWG considered the draft report on the work of SBC concerning the 

separate identification of hazardous wastes in the Harmonized System (HS) of 

the World Customs Organization (WCO) and strongly supported the process the 

Secretariat is engaged in. 

33. The meeting requested SBC to report back to the TWG in particular in regard 

to the lists of wastes currently being prepared by the TWG and the proposals 

made to the WCO. Experts were invited to provide comments to SBC on this 

matter. The meeting requested SBC to submit any new proposals for entries into 

the HS to the TWG for review. 

V. OTHER MATTERS 

34. Due to the fact that the Chairman of the TWG, Mr. Peter Hinchcliffe (U.K.), 

was not able to continue to perform his function beyond 13 September 1996, the 

meeting agreed on electing a chairperson from the regional group of West 

Europe and others to which the United Kingdom is a part. Mr. Andreas Jaron 

(Germany) was thereby elected as Chairman of the TWG until the fourth meeting 

of the Conference of the Parties. The TWG thanked Mr. Hinchcliffe for his 

dedicated work as a Chairman of the TWG. 

35. The delegate from Chile informed the meeting of the possibility for the next 

TWG to be hosted in Chile. 
36. Delegates considered the possibility that, at the next meeting, they might 

wish to prepare a form of proposal for inclusion of the lists into the process of 

implementation of the Convention. This would have implications for the timing of 

the next meeting of the TWG which should allow enough time for the preparatory 

work and accordingly, the SBC was requested to consider this while selecting 

dates for the next session of the TWG. 

37. The expert from India drew the attention of the group to the need for clear 

guidance to deal with the problem of certain recyclable zinc wastes. In particular, 

there was a need to consider zinc waste from galvanising, in view of the 

extensive trade in these materials. The expert offered to prepare a paper for the 

next meeting of the TWG, setting out the problems and possible solutions. 

38. Referring to the report on the case study on the recovery of hazardous 

wastes in Estonia at an oil shale distillation unit in Narva, the experts 

congratulated Estonia and Canada on the effective cooperation. A number of 

delegates expressed their interest in undertaking similar activities. 

39. The meeting noted and express appreciation of the proposal made by 

industry to convene a small workshop, in which Parties, observer States and 

Greenpeace would be invited to discuss issues concerning copper compounds, 

zinc compounds, copper slags and zinc ash. 

VI. CLOSURE OF THE MEETING 

40. The Chairman of the TWG reminded delegates that the Secretariat had 

supported the meeting particularly efficiently despite having been presented with 

a number of difficult challenges. On behalf of the TWG he also thanked the 

support team from the Department of the Environment for their hard work behind 

the scenes. 

41. The Chairman referred to his regret at leaving the work of the TWG, because 

of its importance, because of the expert professionalism of delegates, and 

because of the friendliness of all concerned. He expressed satisfaction, though, 

that the vote would pass into the capable hands of his successor. He thanked 
delegates for their work and kind support, and bid them best wishes for their 

future work. 

42. The meeting closed at 2.00 p.m. on 13 September 1996. 

VII. REPORTS OF THE SUB-WORKING GROUPS 

43. Report of sub-working group considering the issue of copper slags and de 

minimis limits (chaired by India). 

The Chair opened the meeting by outlining the objectives of the sub-group - 

namely to consider the need for and numerical value of de minimis limits for 

certain entries on the lists A and B, and to decide whether the copper slag entry 

on B7, currently bracketed, should be retained. 

After extensive discussion, the following conclusions were reached: 

de minimis Limit for A244 (PCBs, PCTs, PBBs etc.): 

Noting that Parties may always adopt more strict limits within their own countries, 

the sub group saw no need to alter the level of 50 mg/kg which currently appears 

in the consolidated list. The USA offered to submit a proposal for a footnote to 

elaborate the position. 

de minimis limit for A27 (dioxins and dibenzofurans). 

Concerned at the implications for expensive and resource consuming testing, 

and noting that some countries with limited experience of operating limits felt that 

caution was necessary, the sub group concluded that there was, as yet, no 

satisfactory basis for setting de minimis levels for dioxins and debenzofurans. 

4 The 50 mg/kg level is considered to be an internationally practical level for all 

wastes: however many individual countries have established lower regulatory 

levels (e.g., 20 mg/kg) for specific wastes. 

Entry for copper slag in B7: 

In discussion which incorporated the issues of the B2 de minimis question, it was 

agreed that the existing bracketed entry described a legitimate class of wastes, 

and should be retained with the square bracket removed. 

de minimis limit for B2 (metal bearing wastes arising from melting, smelting and 

refining of metals): 
Following extensive discussion, and the presentation and consideration of 

analytical and statistical data, the sub group concluded that the setting of de 

minimis levels was likely to be extremely difficult. It was decided to propose a 

new entry for copper slags vis: "Copper slag for further processing/refining", and 

delete the bracketed reference to copper in the entry for precious metals. 

Numerical values for both recoverable copper and contaminants were debated, 

but it was concluded these could not be reliably established. The numerical 

values based on the analysis results were considered to fix the de minimis level 

of contaminants or the acceptable level of recoverables. This was found to be 

impracticable in the case of copper slag, while such values provided for the zinc 

wastes were accepted. 

44. Report of sub-working group on metals (chaired by Germany and India). 

The sub-working group on metals was convened to consider certain specific 

metal entries on list C (Annex I of UNEP/CHW/WG.4/11/3), and the specific 

metal applications submitted via the Addendum UNEP/CHW/WG.4/11/3/Add.1). 

C2 Copper Compounds 

The group considered the wastes containing copper compounds. The sub-group 

had an extensive discussion about the general hazardousness of copper 

compounds, the routes via which such hazardousness might be displayed and 

the types of entries which might be appropriate for lists A and B. Several 

delegations indicated that they were actively preparing detailed submissions on 

copper compounds, but that these were not yet available. It was accepted that 

the decision on this should be deferred to the next TWG, by which time Australia 

and Chile undertook to have submitted full data. 

C3 Zinc Compounds 

Discussion followed the same path as with copper. Although some data on zinc 

compounds were available it was not considered to be sufficiently complete to 

allow a decision to be taken. This needs to be considered on the basis of further 

information. 

C15 Scrap assemblies from electrical power generation 
Agreed to be placed on list B subject to the addition of the phrase: 

"not contaminated with lubricating oil or PCB" 

Addendum: Page 9 and Page 12 

Submissions were presented by Australia as a "tidying up" exercise, which made 

no difference to the substances covered, and the limitations placed on them. It 

related to sections A1, A2 and A3 of list A. The effect of the proposal would be to 

recast these sections as follows: 

A1 Waste having as constituents or contaminants, excluding metal waste in 

massive form: 

Beryllium; beryllium compounds 

Selenium; selenium compounds 

Cadmium; cadmium compounds 

Antimony; antimony compounds 

Tellurium; tellurium compounds 

Lead; lead compounds 

A2 Waste having as constituents or contaminants: 

Arsenic; arsenic compounds 

Mercury; mercury compounds 

Thallium; thallium compounds 

A3 Metal waste and waste consisting of alloys of: 

Beryllium 

Arsenic 

Selenium 

Cadmium 

Antimony 

Tellurium 

Mercury 

Thallium 

Lead 

but excluding such wastes specifically listed on list B. 
The sub-working group agreed to accept these proposed rearrangements. 

Addendum: Page 46; PVC covered scrap cables 

Two proposals were involved, one for list A, the other for list B, depending on 

processing carried out. 

Concern was expressed at differentiating wastes by process route rather than 

intrinsic properties. However, it was recognized that the problems related to the 

PVC rather than the metal in the cable, and that it was not therefore within the 

remit of the sub working group. 

It was agreed to refer this item to the TWG. 

Addendum: Page 48 (spent catalysts) 

This deals with spent catalysts of various types, and the proposal was that the 

entry should replace existing B25 in line with modified text agreed by the OECD. 

It was not felt that the revised text fully reflected the purpose of the original B25, 

and that a second entry was justified. 

It was agreed to retain existing B25 unchanged, and to add a further entry in list 

B as follows: 

- Spent catalysts excluding liquids used as catalysts, containing any of: 

Transition Metals: Scandium Titanium 

Vanadium Chromium 

Manganese Iron 

Cobalt Nickel 

Copper Zinc 

Yttrium Zirconium 

Niobium Molybdenum 

Hafnium Tantalum 

Tungsten Rhenium 

Lanthanides (rare earth Lanthanum Ceriummetals) 

Praesodinium Neody 

Samarium Europium 

Gadolinium Terbium 
Dysprosium Holmium 

Erbium Thulium 

Ytterbium Lutetium 

Addendum: P63; refractory metals containing residues 

It was agreed that, as submitted, this waste be assigned to list B. 

Addendum: P207; Beryllia Ceramic Components 

Acknowledging that beryllia in inhalable dust form is very toxic, but that the 

application appeared to refer to solid waste, the sub-working group agreed to 

defer a decision pending further clarification of the physical form of the waste. 

Addendum: P227; Selenium and Tellurium in metallic (elemental) form including 

powder 

Conflicting views emerged as to the intrinsic toxicity of elemental selenium and 

tellurium. It was agreed to defer a decision pending availability of more complete 

data. 

45. Report of the sub-working group considering the draft text of the physicochemical and biological treatment technical guidelines (chaired by Slovakia). 

The background to the document, and to the preparation of technical guidelines 

generally was discussed. Within that context, it was felt that the draft text was a 

useful and helpful document, which was close to being ready for final approval. 

A number of general observations were made, together with a few detailed 

comments. Few delegations had the opportunity for a close and detailed study of 

the text, and it was agreed that written submissions be made in the near future. 

General matters suggested for incorporation included better cross-referencing, 

and more detailed references. It was also suggested that whilst the guideline was 

specifically aimed at providing guidance for D8 and D9, many of the processes 

mentioned had relevance to other D and R categories of Annex IV to the 

Convention, and that this should be mentioned in the introduction. 

Additional information on microbial species and their actions, together with 

overall guidance on the particular processes what were generally practically 

available, was felt to be useful. However, it was felt that the decision trees 
required some attention to eliminate options and conclusions which might no 

longer be considered acceptable or appropriate. An additional section on on-line 

monitoring, particularly using electronic methods which did not themselves 

generate wastes, was considered most desirable. 

References to "environmental impact" were felt to be somewhat misleading, 

although the need to address the issue was not in doubt. 

Several delegations offered to send information for an updated edition of the text. 

Chairman's conclusion 

1. There was a general approval of the work done and the author (the Indian 

delegate) was congratulated for her efforts. 

2. Most delegates had been unable to read the text in detail, but their general 

observations were positive and useful. 

3. The draft text had been sent to all Parties and observer groups. They should 

be invited to send their written comments, together with any additional 

information, direct to the Indian delegate (with copies to the Secretariat in 

Geneva) by the end of October. A further draft would then be produced for final 

consideration at the next TWG. 

APPENDIX I 

OUTCOME OF THE ASSESSMENT OF WASTES PLACED ON LIST C

I. Wastes to be added to list A 

A49 Clinical and related wastes; that is wastes arising from medical, nursing, 

dental, veterinary, or similar practices, and wastes generated in hospitals or other 

facilities during the investigation or treatment of patients, or research projects. 

A50 Unsorted waste batteries excluding mixtures of only list B batteries. Waste 

batteries not specified on list B containing Annex I constituents to an extent to 

render them hazardous. 

A51 Ethers not including those specified on list B. 

A52 Waste acidic or basic solutions, other than those specified in the 

corresponding entry on list B. 
A53 Waste packages and containers containing Annex I substances in 

concentrations sufficient to exhibit Annex III hazard characteristics. 

A54 Waste consisting of or containing off specification or outdated chemicals 

corresponding to Annex I categories and exhibiting Annex III hazard 

characteristics. 

A55 Waste chemical substances arising from research and development or 

teaching activities which are not identified and/or are new and whose effects on 

man and/or the environment are not known. 

II. Wastes to be added to list B 

B33 Wastes consisting mainly of water-based/latex paints and hardened 

varnishes not containing organic solvents, heavy metals or biocides to an extent 

to render them hazardous. 

B34 Wastes consisting of food dyes. 

B35 Waste anode butts from steel or aluminium production made of petroleum 

coke or bitumen and cleaned to normal industry specifications (excluding anode 

butts from chlor alkali electrolyses and from metallurgical industry). 

B36 Scrap assemblies from electrical power generation not contaminated with 

lubricating oil, PCB or PCT to an extent to render them hazardous. 

B37 Wastes from production, formulation and use of resins, latex, plasticizers, 

glues/adhesives, not listed on list A, free of solvents and other contaminants to 

an extent that they do not exhibit annex III characteristics, eg latex and free glues 

based on casein, starch, dextrin, cellulose ethers, polyvinyl alcohols. 

B38 Waste batteries conforming to a specification, excluding those made with 

lead, cadmium or mercury. 

B39 Waste hydrates of aluminium and waste alumina and residues from alumina 

production excluding such materials used for gas cleaning, flocculation or 

filtration processes. 

B40 Slag arising from the manufacture of iron and steel including slags as a 

source of TiO2 and Vanadium. 
B41 Polymer ethers and non-hazardous monomer ethers incapable of forming 

peroxides. 

B42 Bauxite residue ("red mud") (pH moderated to less than 11.5). 

B43 Waste acidic or basic solutions with a pH greater than 2 and less than 11.5, 

which are not corrosive or otherwise hazardous. 

B44 Waste pneumatic tyres, excluding those destined for Annex IV.A operations. 

B45 Single use cameras with batteries not included on list A. 

III. List C 

C1 Copper compounds 

C2 Zinc compounds 

C3 Residues arising from industrial waste disposal operations 

C4 Fellmongery wastes 

C5 Waste brake fluids 

C6 PVC coated cables 

C7 Scraps of polymers and copolymers 

C8 Scraps of halogenated polymers 

C9 Beryllia ceramic components 

C10 Selenium and tellurium in metallic (elemental) form 

IV. Changes to current adopted list a and list B (Document UNEP/CHW/WG.4/ 

11/2 - Consolidated preliminary list of wastes placed on list A and on list B)

List A 

A13 Waste organic phosphorous compounds 

A18 Waste from the production, preparation and use of pharmaceutical products 

but excluding such wastes specified on list B or list C 

A19 Delete 

A22 Delete 

A24 Add "Polychlorinated naphthalenes" 

A35 Delete "excluding leather sludges" 

A47 Delete 

A48 Insert "waste" in front of pesticides 
List B 

B2 Delete square brackets 

B7 Delete square brackets 

B9 See indent-Tow, noils and waste (including yarn waste and garnetted stock) 

of abaca (Manila hemp or Musa textilis Nee) 

B14 Add "Cured waste" to Resins or condensation products 

V. Explanatory notes provided with proposal for entries 

C5 Surface active agents (surfactants) 

Proposal: No entry for either list A or list B. The reasons are: 

- few of this broad group of compounds are hazardous 

- those which are hazardous do not conform to Annex 1 (except for surface 

treatment (Y17) wastes) 

- no example of trade in used recoverable surfactants could be contemplated by 

the group 

But it was agreed to draw this group of wastes to the attention of the Conference 

of the Parties for future consideration. 

C10 Chlorofluorocarbons and halons 

(a) Reference was made to the decision III/15 adopted by COP 3 which sets out 

the reclaimed materials excluded from the Basel Convention. Reference was 

also made to the decision VII/31 of the Montreal Protocol on the status of 

recycled CFCs and halons. 

(b) A number of experts were of the opinion that these materials were adequately 

controlled by the provisions of the Montreal Protocol. 

(c) It was not clear to all experts that these materials would exhibit Annex III 

hazard characteristics. 

(d) One expert insisted that this issue be brought to the attention of the fourth 

meeting of the Conference of the Parties. 

C11 Anode Butts 
(a) The meeting was of the opinion that anode butts in general should be placed 

on list B. However, concerns were expressed about cases where anode butts 

could be contaminated (i.e.: cyanide). 

(b) Anode butts from chlor-alkali electrolysis and metallurgical industry need 

further elaboration. 

C16 Used pneumatic tyres 

In considering a proposal to place used pneumatic tyres on list B, delegates 

recognized that the final disposal of waste tyres gave rise to environment and 

health problems: 

- in the case of uncontrolled fires, and 

- when water accumulation created mosquito breeding conditions. 

One delegation, speaking on behalf of several countries, argued that certain 

types of tyre, in particular those unsuitable for re-use, should be placed on list A. 

Other experts pointed out that tyres did not sensibly include Annex I wastes or 

exhibit Annex III hazard characteristics, and that they could not, therefore, be 

placed on list A. 

There were divergent views on whether or not there should be an entry on list B. 

Delegates felt that such an entry would encourage Parties to address national 

problems caused by waste tyres by means of national legislation. 

Experts were of the view that the Contracting Parties should be informed of these 

deliberations and requested to take action, or to extend TWG's mandate to take 

action. 

Recommendation: 

Although waste pneumatic tyres are considered wastes that are not covered by 

Article 1.1, paragraph 1 (a) of the Basel Convention, it is felt that there is an 

urgent need to draft a technical guideline for the disposal of waste pneumatic 

tyres. The TWG is requested to facilitate the development of that guideline 

through the concerned regional centres for training and technology transfer with 

the assistance of the relevant industry and environmental groups. 
C18 Wastes from production, formulation and use of resins, latex, plasticizers, 

glues/adhesives 

One delegation agreed to provide information on wastes of concern for 

placement onto list A, in particular concerning plasticizers. Industry was invited to 

provide the TWG with information on plasticizers that would be considered nonhazardous. 

C19 Waste chemical substances arising from research and development of 

teaching activities which are not identified and/or are new and whose effects on 

man and/or the environment are not known 

(a) Concerns were expressed by some experts concerning effects of wastes 

which are not known and it was suggested to bring this issue to the attention of 

the fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties. 

(b) It is understood that waste infectious substances are being specified in 

another entry on list A under "clinical wastes". 

C21 Used batteries 

A number of experts considered that any batch of unsorted batteries had a high 

probability of including hazardous materials. 

C22 Waste hydrates of aluminium and waste alumina 

(a) Aluminium compounds are not found on Annex I, but this formulation 

excludes those wastes most likely to be contaminated by Annex I materials. 

(b) One expert expressed the opinion that there was a need for a corresponding 

entry onto list A, but others felt that the lack of an Annex I entry precluded this.