Sub-regional workshop on enhancing capacities for the environmentally sound management of mercury wastes

Background: Under the Basel Convention, elemental mercury and mercury containing or contaminated wastes are categorized as hazardous wastes. Improper handling, collection, transportation or disposal of mercury wastes, as well as some disposal technologies, can lead to emissions or releases of mercury. Technical guidelines have been developed under the Basel Convention for the environmentally sound management (ESM) of the wastes falling under its scope. Technical guidelines provide the foundation upon which countries can operate at a standard that is not less environmentally sound than that required by the Basel Convention. The growing global trend towards phasing out mercury-added products and processes using mercury will result in the generation of an excess of mercury if mercury supplies remain at the current level. Therefore, ensuring ESM of mercury wastes will be a critical issue for most countries.Working language(s): Spanish