Why Does the U.S. Refuse to Ratify the Hazardous Waste Treaty?

[The Straight Story]

Why Does the U.S. Refuse to Ratify the Hazardous Waste Treaty?

Despite the prevalence of recycling programs throughout the country, the United States has been anything but “green” when it comes to disposing its old computers, cell phones and other electronics. The U.S. government has had two decades to become a party to the 1989 Convention of Basel, which regulates the international trade and dumping of hazardous waste, but still has not ratified the agreement.

President George H.W. Bush agreed to the signing of the Convention in 1990. However, of the 176 nations that signed the convention, only Afghanistan, Haiti and the United States have failed to ratify it.

Perhaps the decision has something to do with Americans leading the world in producing and exporting WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment). Every day, more than 100,000 computers are thrown out in the United States, and each year, Americans dispose of more than 100 million cell phones.

Some of this waste winds up in domestic garbage dumps, or with the 50 certified recyclers in North America.

http://www.allgov.com/US_and_the_World/ViewNews/Why_Does_the_US_Refuse_to_Ratify_the_Hazardous_Waste_Treaty_110828

[bemildred]

1. Congress?

I mean, they would have to do it, and for the most part the only thing they can agree on that isn't dissembling rubbish is paying themselves more.