African response to transboundary movement of hazardous wastes

Abstract

Control or management of transboundary movement of hazardous wastes is a global challenge. The indusries in the developed states generate hazardous wastes in their activities. Developed states have stringent laws and regulations for the disposal of hazardous wastes. The industries have to dispose hazardous wastes in an environmentally sound manner. it is a cost effective to dispose wastes in developed states. They target developing states mostly in Africa where they can dump their hazardous wastes. African states do not possess strict laws and policies for the protection of the environment and human lives. They also lack information to make an informed consent in the disposal of hazardous wastes. Basel convention regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes on an international level. However, the African states want a total ban on the movement of hazardous wastes from developed states on their territories. Bamako convention precludes the moevements of hazardous wastes on the African continent from the other countries. The paper opines that each state should dispose its hazardous wastes in an environmentally sound manner on its territory.