170 Countries Agree On Adoption Of Global Ban On Dumping Of Hazardous Waste

Over 170 countries have agreed to step up adoption of a global ban on dumping of hazardous wastes, including old computers and electronics in developing countries. The environmental group Basel Action Network had called the deal, which was brokered by Switzerland and Indonesia.
Its executive director, Jim Puckett said in Cartagena, Colombia that the deal seeks to ensure that developing countries no longer become dumping ground for toxic industrial waste such as old computers and obsolete ships laden with asbestos.
Delegates at the UN environmental conference in Cartagena agreed that the ban should take effect as soon as 17 more countries ratify an amendment to the 1989 Basel Convention.