Protecting the environment has become a global priority, driven by growing concerns about climate change, pollution and depleting natural resources. The international community has implemented various policies and regulations to reduce the environmental impact of industrial, commercial and logistics activities. These regulations are aimed at reducing waste generation, promoting its reuse and ensuring its proper management to minimize its ecological impact.

In this context, waste logistics has a crucial role to play. Without an adequate logistics system, waste can become a serious environmental and health threat. Waste logistics refers to all activities related to collecting, sorting, transporting and disposing of waste. It aims to ensure safe and sustainable treatment of waste, in accordance with current environmental regulations. There are a number of different types of waste, such as recyclable, organic, industrial and hazardous waste, all of which have specific transportation and handling needs.

Waste transportation, in particular, must comply with strict regulations to avoid contamination risks and ensure that the materials reach their final destination safely. Optimizing these processes reduces costs, minimizes their environmental impact and ensures legal compliance in waste management.

Which are the regulations related to waste management and logistics?

Globally, several regulations have been established to ensure proper waste management and transportation. These are some of the main environmental policies that influence waste logistics.

• The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal: this regulation, adopted in 1989, governs international trade in hazardous wastes and their final disposal. It impacts logistics by requiring specific permits for the transport of this type of waste between countries, ensuring that it is properly managed in authorized facilities.
• Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2006 on shipments of waste: regulates the transport of waste within the European Union and to third countries. It establishes requirements for prior notification and authorization of transboundary shipments of waste, directly affecting logistics companies that must guarantee documentary and operational compliance.
• Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives: establishes the waste management hierarchy, prioritizing prevention, reuse and recycling before disposal. Its impact on logistics is based on the need to develop efficient sorting and transportation systems that make waste recovery possible prior to final disposal.
• The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants: regulates the production, use and disposal of hazardous chemicals. It imposes restrictions on the logistics of hazardous waste containing these substances, requiring special conditions for transport and safe disposal.
• Paris Agreement on Climate Change: although the main focus of this agreement is on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it also affects waste logistics as it encourages sustainable practices in transportation, such as the use of cleaner fuels and the reduction of the carbon footprint in the supply chain.

The waste management sector continues to grow, driven by the need to comply with international regulations and reduce environmental impact. Logisber offers comprehensive solutions for international waste transportation, ensuring efficiency, safety and regulatory compliance at every stage of the logistics process. With a sustainable approach and a global network of experts, we optimize waste shipments, reducing costs and minimizing risks. Contact Logisber now if you want to improve your waste logistics while complying with the highest environmental standards.