Toxic Dumping

Transnational toxic dumping involves the disposal of hazardous waste materials across national borders. These must be handled, stored, transported, and disposed of in a controlled manner. Typically, hazardous wastes are poisonous by-products of commerce and industrial manufacturing industries, which are harmful to humans, animals, and plant life in both the short and long terms. Hazardous wastes can be liquid, solid, or sludge, containing chemicals, heavy metals, radiation, dangerous pathogens, or other toxins. Additionally, the rapid emergence of global communication information technology has led to a growth in the last two decades of electronic waste, or e-waste: unwanted mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices. If these are not disposed of properly, the chemicals in their components can poison natural habitats and kill wildlife.

This entry outlines ...