The Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers requires firms to report annually on releases into the environment and transfers off-site of 86 pollutants, including greenhouse gases, dioxins and heavy metals such as mercury. The information will then be placed on a public register accessible through the Internet. Smaller, widespread sources such as traffic, agriculture and small- and medium-sized enterprises will also be captured in the national pollutant registers. Where registers already exist, public disclosure of information about pollutant releases has led companies to improve their environmental performance.
Firms engaged in international trafficking of hazardous waste must report the name and address of the waste’s receiver. The Protocol will thus offer new tools to track the transport of hazardous waste, which is often destined for developing countries (UNECE, 2009).
References:
UNECE, 2009. http://www.unece.org/press/pr2009/09env_p23e.htm
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