The Basel Convention, an international agreement that includes 191 countries, has classified mixed plastic trash as hazardous waste since 2019. This classification prohibits the export of unsorted plastic waste from wealthy nations to poorer nations and mandates disclosure in shipments between poorer nations. However, a significant loophole exists in this rule.
Despite the ban on exporting unsorted plastic waste, a substantial amount of plastic waste continues to be traded in the form of refuse-derived fuel (RDF). RDF is created by grinding up packaging and industrial plastic waste, mixing it with scrap wood and paper, and burning it for energy. This practice has been criticized by environmental groups for perpetuating “waste colonialism” and posing risks to public health due to the emission of hazardous pollutants and greenhouse gases during the burning process.
Advocates have been pushing for the closure of the RDF loophole to discourage the establishment of new RDF facilities globally. At the recent biannual meeting of the Basel Convention, however, the issue of RDF was largely overlooked, disappointing many environmental activists. Yuyun Ismawati, co-founder of the Indonesian anti-pollution nonprofit Nexus3, expressed frustration with the lack of action on addressing the RDF loophole.
RDF comprises various products, some of which are produced using specialized equipment at material recovery facilities where mixed household waste is received and sorted for further processing. While RDF contains approximately 50% paper, cardboard, wood, and other plant materials, the remaining content consists of plastic, including human-made textiles and synthetic rubber. The plastic content in RDF makes it highly combustible, as plastics are essentially reconstituted fossil fuels.
The cement industry is one of the primary users of RDF, as it can be burned alongside traditional fossil fuels to power energy-intensive kilns. According to Álvaro Lorenz, the global sustainability director for multinational cement company Votorantim Cimentos, RDF has become popular as jurisdictions seek alternatives to landfilling plastic waste. By burning RDF, cement kilns can help reduce emissions and advance environmental targets, contributing to a circular economy.
While proponents of RDF argue that it is more sustainable and less price-volatile than traditional fossil fuels, environmental advocates raise concerns about toxic air emissions associated with burning plastic. Dioxins, heavy metals, and other hazardous substances released during the combustion process can have detrimental effects on human health, particularly in regions with weaker environmental regulations and enforcement capacities.
The debate over RDF continues to highlight the complexities and challenges associated with managing plastic waste and transitioning towards more sustainable waste management practices globally. Efforts to address the RDF loophole and promote environmentally responsible waste management practices remain critical in mitigating the environmental and health risks posed by the burning of plastic waste. The detrimental health impacts of waste incineration have been a topic of concern for many years, and a 2019 systematic review shed further light on the issue. The review found that individuals living and working near waste incinerators had higher levels of harmful substances such as dioxins, lead, and arsenic in their bodies. Additionally, these individuals often faced a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The release of these toxic substances into the environment poses a significant risk to public health, especially for those in close proximity to waste incineration facilities. The presence of dioxins, lead, and arsenic in the body can have serious health implications, including an increased risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
Furthermore, the systematic review highlighted the need for stricter regulations and monitoring of waste incineration practices to protect human health and the environment. It is crucial for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public to be aware of the potential health impacts of waste incineration and take appropriate measures to mitigate these risks.
In light of these findings, it is essential to prioritize sustainable waste management practices that minimize the release of harmful substances into the environment. Alternative methods such as recycling, composting, and waste reduction should be promoted to reduce the reliance on waste incineration and its associated health risks.
Overall, the 2019 systematic review serves as a valuable reminder of the health impacts of waste incineration and underscores the importance of adopting environmentally friendly waste management practices to safeguard public health and well-being. The decision to delay discussions on regulating the export of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) at the Basel Convention meeting has sparked disappointment among stakeholders. Instead of addressing the issue head-on, stakeholders have been asked to submit their comments on plastic waste to the secretariat of the convention for discussion at a working group meeting next year. This move has been criticized as merely “kicking the can down the road” by environmental groups.
According to experts, the delay in addressing the issue could potentially lead to a surge in the trade of RDF, which poses significant environmental and health risks. The next Basel Convention meeting is not scheduled until 2027, leaving a significant gap for countries to take action on their own. One such country that has already taken steps to restrict RDF exports is Australia. In 2022, the country amended its rules for plastic waste exports, requiring companies to obtain a hazardous waste permit for exporting a type of RDF known as “process engineered fuel.”
As a result of these new regulations, Australia has effectively halted the legal export of RDF to poorer countries in Southeast Asia, while exports to wealthier nations like Japan continue. However, environmental activists argue that the focus should not be on regulating RDF exports but rather on reducing plastic production altogether. Ismawati, a prominent environmental advocate, emphasized the need for countries to manage their waste domestically without resorting to incineration.
In conclusion, the delay in addressing the export of RDF at the Basel Convention meeting has raised concerns among stakeholders. While some countries have taken steps to restrict RDF exports, the ultimate goal should be to reduce plastic production and manage waste within each country’s borders. By focusing on sustainable waste management practices, countries can move towards a more environmentally friendly and circular economy without relying on harmful practices like RDF exports.
