MANILA, Philippines — Several groups have applauded the return of 69 containers of illegally dumped trash from Canada following a six-year fight to get Ottawa to comply with the Basel Convention, a global treaty that controls the international movement of hazardous wastes.
In a joint statement on Friday, EcoWaste Coalition, International Persistent Organic Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) and RightOnCanada described the departure of Canada’s trash as “a victory for the rule of law, morality and the environment.”
“We feel jubilant that 69 containers of Canadian rubbish are now homeward bound after being stranded here for so long,” EcoWaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero said.
“The Philippines is not the world’s dumpsite. Never again shall we allow other countries to trash our dignity, our people’s health and the environment,” she added.
Founder of RightOnCanada Kathleen Ruff likewise applauded the compliance of the Canadian government to the Basel Convention.
“The Canadian government is now finally going to comply with the Basel Convention and take responsibility for its own wastes. This is what environmental responsibility means,” Ruff said.
While the groups celebrated the return of the illegal trash, it also pointed out that Canada should have complied with the Basel Convention years ago.
“Canada should have complied with the Basel Convention and repatriated its illegal garbage exports years ago. It should not take a presidential threat to get Canada or any other country to comply with the Basel Convention,” IPEN’s Joe DiGangi said.
“Going forward, both Canada and the Philippines need to learn from this frustrating experience, so that it is never repeated,” he added.
President Rodrigo Duterte recently ordered the return of the tons of garbage to Ottawa “immediately” even if the Philippines has to shoulder the cost of shipment. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)
READ: Duterte orders ‘immediate’ return of Canada trash; Philippines to shoulder cost https:
READ: Canada taking back its garbage from PH