Factsheet: Hazardous Waste Management

Decree 4741-2005 on Hazardous Waste management; Colombia restricts: • the export of hazardous wastes and other wastes for final disposal. • the import of hazardous wastes and other wastes for final disposal. Article 81 of the Political Constitution of Colombia (dated 1991), forbids the introduction of toxic and nuclear wastes into national territory. • the export and the import of hazardous wastes and other wastes for recovery. Colombia has no restrictions on the transit of hazardous wastes and other wastes. On December 16 of 2005, the National Environmental Council approved the Environmental Policy for the Integrated Management of Hazardous Wastes, which has as objective prevent the production of Hazardous Wastes and the promotion of the adequate environmental management of those originated, reducing the risks to human health and environment contributing to a sustainable development. The following are the specific objectives of this Policy: To prevent and minimize the generation of Hazardous Wastes. To promote the operation and the integrated management of Hazardous Wastes To implement the commitments of the International Agreements which Colombia ratified considering Hazardous Wastes.