Waste

OECD is tackling today’s most challenging waste issue: promoting sustainable use of materials in order to reduce their negative environmental impacts and to encourage waste minimisation, while supporting economic development. Click here  to find out the ways in which OECD is apprehending these challenges.

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How to trade recoverable wastes in an environmentally sound and economically efficient manner: A Guidance Manual for OECD Countries

02-Mar-2009

This Guidance Manual assists national governments and competent authorities to implement the OECD control system for transboundary movements of wastes destined for recovery operations which is provided by OECD Council Act C(2001)107/FINAL. It also helps private companies to import and export of recoverable waste  in an environmentally sound and economically efficient manner. 


 

Report of the 2nd survey on SMM-Related Activities in OECD Countries

30-Jan-2009

This report provides a synthesis of government responses to the 2008 OECD survey on incentives toward Sustainable Materials Management (SMM).

Front-Runners' Experience on Sustainable Materials Management (SMM)

16-Jan-2009

This report summarises the main results that emerged from discussion at the 2nd OECD Workshop on Sustainable Materials Management which was hosted by Israel in Tel-Aviv, 7-9 April 2008

Inventory of International Initiatives Related to Sustainable Materials Management

30-Sep-2008

This study provides a summary of international initiatives that are relevant for Sustainable Materials Management, covering global and regional organisations, as well as business and industry associations, environmental NGOs and research organisations. A total of 67 initiatives have been identified at the international level that focus on reducing environmental impacts throughout the life-cycle of materials and bearing a relationship with waste and material policies, while taking into account economic efficiency and social equity.

A Study on Methodologies Relevant to the OECD Approach on Sustainable Materials Management

30-Sep-2008

This study provides an overview of ten methodologies used, directly or indirectly, to assess material use in terms of its potential impacts on the environment, benefits to society and value for the economy. The study aims to promote understanding of the strengths and limitations of these methodologies in promoting more sustainable management of materials. It presents an overview of each methodology according to its type and scope, points in the part of the life-cycle it covers and potential links to other methodologies in this study.

Guidance Manual on Environmentally Sound Management of Waste (ESM)

05-Sep-2008

All waste, whether domestically generated or subject to export and import, should be managed in an environmentally sound manner to protect human health and the environment. To meet this objective and ensure fair competition between waste management enterprises throughout the OECD area, a Recommendation on ESM has been adopted by member countries. This Guidance Manual  includes detailed explanation on some policy recommendations aimed at governments and on the criteria to be applied by waste management facilities to ensure a level playing field of high environmental standards. (Dec. 2007)

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2007 Publications

Improving Recycling Markets