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Canadian plastic waste in Burma and 40 other countries!


Canada still sends plastic waste around the world!


The referenced article highlights the serious problem of plastic waste flooding the northern outskirts of Yangon, Burma. The municipality of Shwepyithar, with almost 300,000 residents, is facing a growing crisis, but much of this plastic waste comes from Canada, raising questions about the country's role and responsibility in the situation.

Despite the name Shwepyithar, which means "golden and pleasant", the reality is quite different. Mountains of plastic waste, sometimes as tall as single-story houses, clog streets, forcing residents to navigate through this nightmare to reach temples and community centers.

The problem is compounded by residents' fear of speaking out due to military rule in Myanmar since the 2021 coup. They fear retaliation if they speak out about the waste issue. However, it is undeniable that the majority of this waste comes from abroad, including Canada.

Among the accumulated plastic waste, Canadian brands such as Unico, Foremost Dairies (from Loblaws) and Danone can be clearly identified. This is post-consumer plastic waste, probably thrown into recycling bins in Canada without citizens suspecting that it will end up in Burma. This raises questions about Canada's responsibility for exporting plastic waste.

Canada is a signatory to the Basel Convention, an international treaty aimed at preventing the dumping of plastic waste in developing countries. However, this waste arrived in Burma without authorization. Canada implemented regulations for the export of plastic waste in 2016 and updated them in 2021 to comply with the Basel Convention. However, there are gaps in tracking these exports, particularly when the waste is considered "clean and sorted" for recycling.

Plastic waste exported to Myanmar poses a major problem, as much of it is contaminated and cannot be recycled effectively. Critics point out that Canada, by exporting low-quality plastic waste, is creating waste management problems for Myanmar, calling into question its role and responsibility as a signatory to the Basel Convention.

 

Canada has a duty to ensure that its exports of plastic waste meet international standards and truly contribute to environmentally friendly recycling practices. This raises concerns about Canada's compliance with the Basel Convention and the need for better monitoring and regulation of its plastic waste exports.


Signed: Rock Bérard


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