prevention and disposal of obsolete and unwanted pesticide ... · prevention and disposal of...

Prevention anddisposal of

obsolete andunwanted

pesticide stocks inAfrica and

the Near East

FAO PESTICIDE DISPOSAL SERIES 5

FoodandAgricultureOrganizationoftheUnitedNations

ISS

N 1020-4695

Secondconsultation meeting

5

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONSRome, 1997

Field documentGCP/INT/572/NET

FAO PESTICIDE DISPOSAL SERIES

Prevention anddisposal of

obsolete andunwanted

pesticide stocks inAfrica and

the Near EastSecond

consultation meeting

iii

Foreword

Most developing countries, especially in Africa, are facing severe environmental andpublic health problems with obsolete pesticide stocks. The importance of this issue wasbest summed up in the address by Professor G. Kanoute of the Health Ministry of Mali,who is Vice President of the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS):

I wish to express my appreciation and thanks to FAO, particularly the Plant ProtectionService, for taking an active interest and for being dedicated to the problems relatedto obsolete pesticides in developing countries. Equally, I would like to extend mysatisfaction and thanks to the Government of the Netherlands for having alone takeninterest and given financial backing to the very serious problem of obsolete stocks inAfrica and the Near East. I also wish to express my thanks and satisfaction for theopportunity to participate in this second consultation. I find the meeting motivating andencouraging. The strong beginning currently being made is definitely getting the issueto the top of the international agenda. I am convinced that a good foundation is beinglaid. We should make sure that the progress already made does not slip backwards. Thenecessary support and guarantees need to be secured until all obsolete pesticidesafflicting the poor nations are removed and the goal achieved.

I am speaking with emotion, anxiety and with many tones on behalf of Africa, theSahel region, the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS) and myself.Africa is under stress because of the serious problem of obsolete pesticides and theproblems associated with them.

Pesticides were given, purchased or received with very good intentions. This is truenot only in Africa but in every developing country. Unfortunately the very pesticidesthat were meant to bring good, increase food, prevent or destroy pests, have, on thecontrary, turned against the health of human beings, animals and the environment. Iadmit, developing countries have contributed in a big way by simply being unawareof the consequences but, equally, others have taken advantage of the situation. Thismeans that all are in some way responsible for the accumulation of obsolete pesticides.

Is it only the Netherlands Government that has realized the problem and given usthe necessary support through the FAO project and with substantial commitment? Ifthis is not so, why do others delay with help, backing, technology and solutions? Thedirect involvement of the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) in theissue of obsolete pesticides is of course a great stride forwards and therefore highlycommendable. If solving the problem is delayed longer, the costs will double, thesuffering will multiply and the environment will be irreversibly damaged. The interestof the European Union is beginning to emerge positively in this sphere of need. Iconsider this a blessing. The representation of the chemical industry by GIFAP is alsoextremely encouraging and timely. However, more thanks will go to them after theirpresence is further ascertained and substantiated with deeds and figures.

Developing countries that are currently suffering and experiencing this afflictionhave little or no expertise, no financial resources and of course no alternatives. Theyneed help and, specifically, help to remove obsolete pesticides that have become anightmare to every household, to every person and to every government.

The magnitude, the urgency and the seriousness of the problem cannot be

iv

underestimated. The various guidelines, the pesticide inventory, the excellentillustrative posters and videos produced by FAO are clear signs of the importanceattached to this monumental problem. I could say more on this issue but I am afraidit might be superfluous. I do not intend to be so but, on the other hand, I cannot holdback what is true and what is on my mind.

Aware of the prevalence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in developingcountries, the IFCS has given special attention to the issue of obsolete pesticides byinitiating two special sessions to look specifically into obsolete chemicals. The IFCSWorking Group on Obsolete Chemicals documented its message which clearly andconcisely expresses the issue of obsolete pesticide stocks and the need for urgentsupport.

I wish on behalf of the IFCS, developing countries and particularly Africa, which haslittle or no resources, strongly to request donor countries and the financial communityof the European Union and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD) countries and the chemical industry to coordinate with FAO and contributetheir financial assistance for the removal and destruction of obsolete pesticides. On theother hand, in my capacity as the IFCS Vice President and as an African through theOrganization of African Unity, I request that recipient countries take strong action tocontrol and avoid further accumulation for their own good.

Finally, as has already been expressed many times, I would like to thank theGovernment of the Netherlands for its continued commitment and support given usthrough FAO.

In conclusion, I wish to say: please make sure that efforts are coordinated to avoidduplication of resources and the loss of valuable efforts. I wish us all a successfulmeeting. I thank you all for the interest and patience you have kindly given me.

v

Contents

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3

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7

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2021

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25

Foreword

INTRODUCTION

OPENING ADDRESS

Chapter 1

OBSOLETE AND UNWANTED PESTICIDE STOCKS

The FAO project on obsolete pesticides GCP/INT/572/NET

Chapter 2

UPDATE ON FAO ACTIVITIES

FAO Project: Prevention and Disposal of Obsolete Pesticide Stocksin Africa and the Near East

Current developments

Chapter 3

THE WORK OF OTHER AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS RELA TING TOPREVENTION AND DISPOSAL OF OBSOLETE AND UNWANTEDPESTICIDE STOCKS

German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ)Netherlands Foreign Ministry (DGIS)European Commission DG VIIIUnited States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)United States Agency for International Development (USAID)The Pesticides TrustInternational Group of National Associations of AgrochemicalManufacturers (GIFAP)

International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemicals (IRPTC)

Chapter 4

THE OBSOLETE AND UNWANTED PESTICIDES PROBLEMIN THE SAHEL REGION

Chapter 5

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES

vi

Chapter 6

REGULATORY ASPECTS

The Basel Convention – a global way forwardInternal regulations

Chapter 7

POLICY FRAMEWORK

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)guidelines on pest and pesticide management

Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)

Chapter 8

ROUND-TABLE DISCUSSION

Chapter 9

RECOMMENDATIONS

ANNEXES

1. Summary and Resolution of the First Consultation meeting2. Papers and materials prepared for the Second Consultation3. Programme4. List of participants

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1Prevention and disposal of obsolete and unwanted pesticide stocks in Africa and the Near East

Introduction

Obsolete, unwanted and banned pesticides havecontinued to pose serious environmental and publichealth hazards. Accumulation of obsolete stocks hascontinued unabated. Contamination of soils andvaluable drinking water resources is widespread. Lackof appropriate management, misuse of pesticides,uncoordinated pesticide donations, substandardstorage, poor storekeeping, lack of expertise andfinancial resources are major contributors to theproblem. Developing countries are the most badlyaffected, mainly because of the lack of understandingof the inherent dangers of pesticides and the means toprotect people. Urgent solutions are needed.

With financial backing from the Government of theNetherlands, FAO established a two-year project toaddress these basic issues and to prepare thegroundwork for more comprehensive action forconcerted international efforts. The project, inter alia,calls for a consultation meeting once a year, the first ofwhich took place in December 1994.

Objective of the meetingThe main objective of the Second Consultation on thePrevention and Disposal of Obsolete and UnwantedPesticide Stocks in Africa and the Near East, heldfrom 2 to 3 September 1996 in Rome, Italy, was toprovide a continuing forum for information exchange,discussions, cooperation and collaboration. In moredetail, the objectives were to:

• exchange experiences and lessons learned inalready completed pesticide disposal activities;

• exchange information on future prevention anddisposal activities;

• coordinate activities more fully and develop aframework for donor cooperation in large-scaledisposal operations;

• learn about new developments in the legal, policyand technical arenas for pesticide disposal;

• discuss issues of common interest.Presentations were made by donor representatives

and participants on aspects related to disposalactivities undertaken and planned for the future.Discussions and statements about policies and futureplans were highlighted. The dates for the Third

Consultation meeting will depend on progress made.The situation will be reviewed by December 1997 anddates may be determined then.

ParticipantsThe Director-General of FAO invited representativesfrom aid agencies, developing countries, publicinternational organizations, environmental groups andthe pesticide industry. About 16 organizations attendedthe meeting and several others expressed interest, butwere unable to attend because of other obligations.For the list of participants, see Annex 4.


Opening addressN.A. van der Graaff

On behalf of the Director-General of FAO, Dr JacquesDiouf, I wish to welcome you to the Second FAOConsultation meeting on the Prevention and Disposalof Obsolete and Unwanted Pesticide Stocks in Africaand the Near East.

As you may be aware, FAO’s efforts to look at theproblem of obsolete pesticides began with financialsupport of a two-year project by the Government ofthe Netherlands. Although cleaning up and removal ofthe entire obsolete pesticide stocks is still far frombeing completed, the project has so far been able to actas a focal point for attracting attention, collection ofdata, dissemination of information, advising affectedgovernments, formulation of projects, preparation oftechnical guidelines and their distribution and trainingof technical staff, etc. The current meeting, as well asthat which took place in late 1994, is a result of theexistence of the project. I should, therefore, right fromthe outset, take the opportunity to say that FAO wouldlike to express its deep appreciation to the Governmentof the Netherlands for its continued financial supportand for having made possible both the initiation andfollow-up of this colossal task. Our ultimate goal isinternational cooperation in the development ofstrategies and policies for the disposal and preventionof accumulation of obsolete stocks.

In such a forum of consultation, it is hoped toestablish an appropriate agenda for cooperation and todecide on modalities for disposal operations in thefuture. Obsolete pesticide stocks have been identified,at least in some of the countries where surveys havebeen completed, and work will go on in the remainingcountries. FAO will continue to identify problem areasin relation to obsolete pesticides and will makerelevant information available at similar consultationmeetings. However, in order to accomplish the task,there is a need for commitment and cooperation frommore donor countries, organizations and industry,particularly with regard to financial assistance andrelated issues. In order to remove and dispose of thepesticide stocks so far identified and those yet to becompiled, FAO is looking for a positive response fromthe international community.

The problem of obsolete pesticides is not limited toAfrica and the Near East alone. Environmental andhealth issues are at stake in almost all developingcountries. In an FAO press release of June 1996, theexistence of an estimated total of well over 100 000tonnes of obsolete pesticides in non-OECD countrieswas brought to the attention of all concerned. Thealarming news given in the press release was taken astep further by other international news media,including national papers in several countries andlanguages. The FAO press release received globalcoverage and the resulting feedback came from a widevariety of sources. It seems as if the world has wokenup to the serious problems of obsolete pesticide stocksworldwide.

The enormity of the problem being widespread andurgent, FAO will spare no effort and will continueupdating information on obsolete pesticide stocks,making the situation known to donor countries, to thepublic and to the world at large. Every possiblemedium including newspapers, radio, television andthe Internet will be used. Delays in action will onlyfurther exacerbate the situation and will make theproblem more difficult to deal with both from thepoints of view of finance and of environmentalimplications. Global mobilization and awareness ofall concerned need to be created, not only underlimited conditions, but involving developing nations,countries in transition, donor nations, non-governmental organizations, internationalorganizations, etc. Awareness should lead tocommitment to a concerted global effort to save theenvironment from pesticides that are consideredobsolete and hazardous. Tackling the risk to humanhealth and animal life should not be postponed for toolong.

As we live in a world that never stops changing,change is a continuous phenomenon. We thereforeneed to adapt to changes. Pesticides were consideredthe miracle weapons for the prevention and control ofpests and for boosting agricultural production. Theearly discoveries of organochlorine pesticides receivedhigh acclamation, recognition and rewards. However,

Opening address4

the euphoria was not to last for ever. During the 1960s,some of the most revealing accounts of the negativeenvironmental impact of the pesticides concernedbecame apparent. By the 1970s some of the persistentorganochlorines were banned from use in almost alldeveloped countries. Most are persistent in theenvironment, are health hazards, contaminants andpollutants. In good faith, donors and organizationsassisted developing countries by donating pesticidesto countries in the tropics, particularly in sub-SaharanAfrica where pests are most prevalent, endemic,persistent and widespread. Governments in these regionswere happy and satisfied to get assistance. Most countrieseither purchased or requested pesticides in abundance,not because of greed but because of the need to protectcrops against the outbreak of devastating seasonal andendemic pests. Unfortunately, some of the very pesticidesintended for a good purpose and received or given withgood intentions, or purchased in good faith, accumulatedover the years. These left-over, obsolete pesticides arenow giving rise to serious environmental and healthproblems.

It is time to clean up this problem without pointing afinger at anyone in particular. There is a sharedresponsibility among donors, the chemical industry,international organizations as well as recipientcountries for having contributed to the problem. Theconfidence of the 1940s and 1950s, which favouredtotal dependence on the use of pesticides as a solemeans of pest control, has gradually been reversed andthe alternative is now integrated pest management(IPM). There is a need for prudent use of pesticidesthat are selective, safe, non-persistent andenvironmentally sound.

We are at a crucial crossroads where commitmentand cooperation, dedication and collaboration areneeded. As has already been indicated, in the FirstFAO Consultation meeting in 1994, the estimated totalof obsolete pesticide stocks in Africa alone was 20 000to 30 000 tonnes. With the inventory having beencompleted in at least 33 African countries, the revisedestimate for Africa is now in the region of 20 000tonnes. There are 23 countries from which data haveyet to be collected and therefore, hopefully, thisestimated total will remain the same after the surveyhas been completed in every country in Africa. Theinventory compiled so far does not includecontaminated soil, materials or containers, whichmight be up to 50 percent of the actual stock inindividual countries.

In order to alleviate the situation, a massive globalmobilization of resources is needed. Although muchinterest has been expressed in support of the cleaningup and disposal of obsolete pesticides, so far only afew agency initiatives for action on prevention anddisposal have been taken. In this connection, weexpress our appreciation for the continued effortsbeing undertaken by the German Agency for TechnicalCooperation (GTZ) to remove obsolete wastes from anumber of countries. Likewise, appreciation is againexpressed to the Government of Netherlands forundertaking a disposal operation in Zanzibar. This isin addition to supporting the FAO project alreadymentioned above.

Once again, on behalf of FAO and the Director-General, I wish to express my thanks and appreciationfor your patience, for the efforts you have made toattend this meeting, for being ready to listen andparticipate. It is necessary to understand and acceptthe collective responsibilities and to look forwardeagerly to positive solutions to a common problem thatis both important and urgent and for which a commoneffort and commitment are needed. Without thesequalities, it will be difficult to make advances in solvingthe huge problem of obsolete pesticides which liesahead of us.

The information you may be exchanging with eachother and the motivation and drive you may beexperiencing during this meeting can be the foundationfor the development of the global effort required toclean up pesticide wastes caused by human beings.

I wish you a very successful meeting and a veryenjoyable stay in Rome.


Chapter 1

Obsolete and unwanted pesticide stocksA. Wodageneh

The problemThe problem of obsolete pesticides remains extremelyserious and urgent. Many of the stocks identifiedcontinue to deteriorate thereby giving rise to an everescalating source of severe pollution and posing athreat to human health, the environment anddevelopment in particular. The situation is mostserious in almost all developing countries becausethere is little or no awareness of the inherent danger ofpesticides. There are neither the capacity nor thefacilities for disposal, nor the financial resources tohandle problems related to obsolete pesticides.

Main concernThe concern is not only about obsolete pesticidestocks, which have given rise to serious environmentalproblems, but also the fear of their possibleaccumulation in the future. Disposal of existing stocksis as important as prevention of accumulation. Thelatter, inter alia, reflects the lack of attention paid tovarious important aspects such as management ofpesticides and their use and distribution. In view ofever increasing annual pesticide sales and distributionworldwide, the strategy for the prevention ofaccumulation needs to start even before theiracquisition.

As reported during the First Consultation meeting inlate 1994, total global sales of pesticides for the period1993/94 were close to US$23 billion. In 1995 pesticidesales worldwide reached US$29 billion, of whichpesticides worth nearly US$24 billion were sold by 11major companies. The breakdown by company isgiven in Figure 1. The increase in sales of pesticidesover 1994 is nearly 21 percent. Although the share ofpesticides reaching developing countries isproportionally smaller, the trend of pesticide use anddistribution is increasing.

Whether or not the root cause of obsolete pesticidescan be traced back to the source is not the question.Pesticides became obsolete either because they wereimported, sold, dumped, given away or donated. Aquick solution to the problem cannot be provided by

looking backwards or trying to determine who wasresponsible. The problem is obvious and cannot behidden; it is hazardous and requires urgent solution.Words used in this context such as need, universal,global, common effort, concerted, commitment,resources, follow-up, sustainability, collaboration andcooperation are a reflection of the need for continuedassistance. Obsolete pesticides are a common globalproblem requiring a global solution. Yemen had towait nearly 30 years for a solution which came onlyafter a great deal of damage had been done to theenvironment. Reliable statistics as to how many peoplehave been affected over the years are not available andthe same is true in many developing countries.

Although it might not be a remedy for the currentlyexisting obsolete pesticide stocks, there is a positivebasic concept of thinking beginning to emerge in manycountries; an awareness and appreciation of theimportance of a sound environment. It is thereforetime to find ways and means to accelerate andencourage this trend of thought in order to enhanceboth disposal and prevention of obsolete pesticides.

Status of obsolete pesticide inventoryThe estimate of existing obsolete pesticides in Africacurrently stands at 20 000 tonnes. As of September1996, an inventory was completed for 39 countries(including Zanzibar) in Africa and four in the NearEast. The total of obsolete pesticide stocks recorded todate in the countries where the survey has beencompleted is nearly 9 300 tonnes and 937 tonnes,existing and disposed of, respectively. The summary inTable 1 gives a quick reference to the current status ofobsolete pesticides in the two regions. Details ofpesticides by country plus a group of similar pesticidesin different countries but listed in alphabetical orderare compiled and reported separately.

Other than the total of obsolete pesticides given inTable 1 and shown as quantities disposed of, someunknown quantities are also believed to have beendisposed of from stocks owned by unknowncompanies in one or two countries in Africa. However,

Obsolete and unwanted pesticide stocks6

PercentageCompany Description Sales region US$ million increase over 1994

CibaGeigy Swiss multinational N. America & Europe 3 284 11.2

Monsanto US-based multinational India etc. 2 472 11.1

Bayer German-based multinational US, Asia, L. America 2 373 21.7

Zeneca UK-based multinational China, Thailand 2 363 12.3

AgrEvo German multinational US, China etc. 2 344 14.6

Dupont United States Various 2 322 8.9

Rhone-Poulenc France Various 2 068 14.6

DowElanco Various 1 962 13.1

Amer. Cyanamid United States Various 1 910 19.4

BASF Germany Various 1 450 15.3

Sandoz Switzerland Various 1 125 12.4

Total 23 673

Source: Agrow, 1, 15, 29 March, 19 April 1996; Agrow, World Crop Production News, PANUPS, 30 April 1996.

FIGURE 1World pesticide sales of some major companies in 1995


as the actual total disposed of has not been reported toFAO, figures could not be included in the inventory.There are still 23 countries in Africa and five in theNear East where the survey will continue. The total of9 292 tonnes indicated does not include contaminantssuch as materials, containers and contaminated soilwhich, in addition, should be estimated at about 50percent of the actual total. Of the total compiled so far,11 different pesticides make up 55.46 percent asindicated in the table and graph in Figure 2.

Undeclared obsolete pesticidesIt is also likely that additional undeclared obsoletepesticide stocks may exist in any of the countrieswhere the survey has taken place. Such figures usuallybecome apparent either before or as soon as disposaloperations begin. A good example is a case in Zambiawhere a huge pile of pesticides and contaminated soilwas kept in the open for years within the storagecompound of the Zambia Cooperative Federation(ZCF) in Lusaka. During a visit of the FAO Project

Coordinator to the site in April 1994, a total of 85tonnes had been estimated to exist. However, during ajoint FAO/GTZ visit to the same site in September1995, a total of about 300 tonnes was found. This is anexample of what can happen after assessment of stockshas been made. The FAO obsolete pesticide inventorydata base is bound to change from time to time asmore data are made available and surveys completed.

THE FAO PROJECT ON OBSOLETE PESTICIDESGCP/INT/572/NETPrevention and disposal of unwanted pesticidestocks in Africa and the Near EastWith financial assistance from the NetherlandsGovernment, in July 1994 FAO started operating a two-year regional project covering Africa and the Near East.The objectives of the project included:

• development of the foundation for a comprehensivelong-term programme with multi-donor involve-ment to dispose of obsolete pesticide stocks in pilotcountries;

TABLE 1

Inventory of obsolete and unwanted pesticide stocks by country

Country No. of No. of Total Total Agenciesaffected different (tonnes) disposed of involved

sites pesticides (tonnes) in disposal

AFRICA1. Benin 20 ±21 672. Botswana 1 7 253. Burkina Faso 24 57 544. Burundi 2 5 585. Cameroon 20 10 2256. Cape Verde 1 12 237. Central African Rep. ±15 14 2388. Congo 7 1 29. Equatorial Guinea 22 17 146

10. Eritrea 29 58 15811. Ethiopia 143 ±70 42612. Gambia ±7 >5 2313. Guinea Bissau 4 9 914. Madagascar 4 14 76 70 GTZ15. Malawi 11 29 12716. Mali (provisional) 28 9 12517. Mauritania 13 11 25718. Morocco 25 ±170 2 26519. Mozambique 48 ±150 443 160 GTZ20. Namibia 1 1 24521. Niger ±15 29 52 60 USAID/GTZ/Shell22. Sao Tome/Principe 1 3 323. Senegal 8 ±21 27424. Seychelles 1 37 1025. South Africa Several ±30 39026. Sudan 44 ±80 65727. Swaziland 2 35 928. Tanzania DNOC inventory 55 GTZ29. Togo 7 >20 8530. Tunisia 21 5 88231. Uganda Dieldrin inventory 50 FAO32. Zaire 5 11 59133. Zambia (estimate) 6 ±51 336 FAO/DGIS/GTZ34. Zanzibar Several ±100 280 DGIS

NEAR EAST1. Iraq 16 5 2322. Lebanon Several Several 1893. Qatar 1 7 54. Syrian Arab Rep. 20 13 3235. Yemen > 20 ±130 262 262 FAO/KfW

Total 9 292 937

Note: The above is a compilation of results of inventories up to September 1996. The figures do not include quantities of contaminated soils and materials which can besubstantial and thus the final total should be expected to be much higher.


Major pesticides Total of each

Litres/kg Tonnes

Aldrin 8 259 8

Carbaryl 136 968 137

DDT 202 723 203

Dieldrin 435 987 436

Dimethoate 150 626 151

Endrin 1 762 2

Fenitrothion 875 865 876

HCH (BHC) 2 759 427 2 759

Lindane 251 126 251

Malathion 284 240 284

Parathion 108 209 108

Others 4 190 808 4 191

Total 9 406 000 9 406

Note: The total of pesticide stocks considered as major is 5 215 192 l/kg (or 5 215tonnes), i.e. 55.46 percent of the total. This percentage figure appears to remain atabout the same level despite changes in the grand total as new figures are receivedfrom time to time.

FIGURE 2Major pesticide groups

AldrinCarbaryl

DDTDieldrin

DimethoateEndrin

Fenitrothion

HCH(BHC)

LindaneMalathion

Parathion

Others


• prevention of further accumulation;• development of guidelines on the prevention ofaccumulation of obsolete pesticide stocks;

• development of guidelines on the safe andenvironmentally sound disposal of bulk quantitiesof obsolete pesticides from developing countries(a result of collaborative efforts of FAO, UNEPand WHO);

• preparation of a pesticide storage and stock controlmanual;

• compilation of an inventory of obsolete pesticidestocks;

• undertaking pilot disposal activities in selectedcountries.

The objectives listed are being tackled and progressis being made, but much remains to be done and agreat deal of time will be necessary to achieve theultimate objective leading to a cleaner, healthier andbetter environment.

Publicationsa. Basic technical guidelines:Technical guidelines will be available in fourlanguages: Arabic, English, French, Spanish. Threebasic guidelines have been prepared:

• Prevention of accumulation of obsolete pesticidestocks (No. 2)

• Pesticide storage and stock control manual (No. 3)• Disposal of bulk quantities of obsolete pesticides indeveloping countries (No. 4)

b. Other publications:• First Consultation meeting: Prevention anddisposal of obsolete and unwanted pesticide stocksin Africa and the Near East, which took place from12 to 14 December 1994 (No. 1 only available inEnglish).

• Second Consultation meeting: Prevention anddisposal of obsolete and unwanted pesticide stocksin Africa and the Near East, which took place from2 to 3 September 1996 (No. 5 will also be madeavailable in English).

• Inventory of obsolete, unwanted and/or bannedpesticides, a working document which is subject tocontinuous changes.

Currently, those guidelines that are considered basici.e. No. 3 and No. 4 are all available in English.Guidelines No. 2 is available both in English andFrench, and the Spanish and Arabic versions should beready for distribution by the end of 1996. The threeguidelines (each in four languages) and the reports of

the First and the Second FAO Consultation meetingsmake a total of 14 publications available fordistribution to member countries through FAOrepresentatives’ offices. Other institutions,universities and research organizations etc. receivethe publications by mail. In addition, all the guidelinesare being made available via the Internet (World WideWeb) address: http://www.fao.org, at the FAOGLOBAL WATCH, logo, subtitle Obsolete pesticides.At this web-site, the guidelines can be read,downloaded and printed. The option of making themavailable became increasingly necessary, especiallyafter a flood of requests for publications andinformation was received from all over the worldparticularly after the FAO press release on obsoletepesticides of June 1996. The list of guidelines andpublications is given in Table 2 below.

Role of the projectThe project plays a major role in putting the issue ofpesticide disposal on the international agenda and inbringing together aid agencies interested in assistingwith pesticide disposal.

TABLE 2

GCP/INT/572/NET publications and referencenumbers

No. Serial Reference No. Document and language of publicationNo. and year

1 W1604 First Consultation meeting: “Preventionand Disposal of Obsolete and UnwantedPesticide Stocks in Africa and the NearEast”

1 1 1995 English

2 V7460 Provisional guidelines: “Prevention ofaccumulation of obsolete pesticidestocks”

2 2 1995 English3 2 1996 French4 2 1996 Arabic5 2 1996 Spanish

3 V8966 “Pesticide storage and stock controlmanual”


4 W1604 Provisional guidelines: “Disposal ofbulk quantities of obsolete pesticides indeveloping countries”


14 “Inventory of obsolete, unwantedand/or banned pesticides”

15 5 W3338 Second Consultation meeting:“Prevention and Disposal of Obsoleteand Unwanted Pesticide Stocks in Africaand the Near East”

5 1997 English

Total of 15 documents


Related project activities• initiating disposal operations on behalf ofdeveloping countries;

• assistance in obtaining funds for such operations;• enhancing donor coordination;• provision of independent monitoring services toensure that disposal operations fully comply withinternational safety and environmental standards;

• review of new disposal methods;• study and investigation of solutions to the problemof contaminated soil;

• organization of national seminars on pesticidestock planning and store management to preventstocks deteriorating.

Major disposal operation undertaken in YemenA disposal operation has taken place under thesupervision and monitoring of FAO. A total of 262

tonnes of obsolete pesticides were removed from 20different sites (Figures 3 and 4) and successfullydisposed of between March and June 1996. The majorfield operation was completed in six weeks duringwhich period almost all obsolete pesticides werebrought to a central location at Hodeidah andsubsequently shipped to the United Kingdom forincineration. The conditions under which the disposaloperations were conducted were hot and/or humid,dusty and unpleasant, with the affected sites being farapart but fortunately accessible. Without the fullcooperation of the Department of the Plant Protectionof the Ministry of Agriculture and the FAORepresentative, more difficulties could have beenencountered.

Planned disposal operation in ZambiaA plan has already been initiated by FAO/GTZ for a

HodeidahDesert Locust Control Centre

Obsolete pesticides made readyfor shipping and forwarding to UK

Taez

Al-Boun

Ibb

GoumaishaFarm store

Al-GirrbaResearch station

Sana'aDepartment of Plant Protection

(GDPP)

SurdodState farm

Al-BatnahAgricultural station

Al-Fuish 1

Al-Fuish 2

Al-kud

Al-Mukalla

Say'un

DhamarResearch station

DhamarAgricultural office

S'adah

Sana'aPlant protection depot

FIGURE 3Mobilization and centralization of pesticide waste prior to shipment to the United Kingdom

Al-Mahwit

DhamarPotato seed multiplication


FIGURE 4Obsolete, unwanted and banned pesticides in Yemen: relative locations, affected sites and waste disposed of

FIGURE 5Affected sites and quantities of obsolete pesticides in Zambia


• A disposal project has been formulated for fourSahel countries, the Gambia, Mali, Mauritania andSenegal, with possible financial assistance fromthe European Union.

• Project portfolios have been prepared for 13countries, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, the Gambia,Mali, Mauritania, the Niger, Senegal, Eritrea,Ethiopia, the Sudan, Madagascar, Mozambique,Seychelles, in anticipation that financial backingmay be secured from donors.

• A workshop on obsolete pesticides is beingorganized for the Southern African DevelopmentCommunity (SADC) countries including a fewcountries from East Africa. The aim is to initiate acommon policy on disposal and prevention ofaccumulation of obsolete pesticides for the region.

Obsolete pesticides in generalConsidering the enormity of the task and the largenumber of countries affected, activities undertaken todate with regard to obsolete pesticides are consideredto be in their very early stages. Although the current focusof the project is in countries in Africa and the Near East,continuous requests for assistance are also being receivedfrom other regions. Unfortunately, the project budgetdoes not make it possibleto cater satisfactorily to theneeds or requests of any such countries.

TABLE 3

Types and quantities of obsolete pesticidesin Zambia

Item Location Pesticides Amount(tonnes)

1 Lusaka ZCF Various mixtures of pesticides,(soil and metal drums) 300

2a Mazabuka Vet. store Metal canisters labelled “Diazino” 3.42b Mazabuka Vet. store DDT & contaminated soil 152c Mazabuka Vet. store Endosulfan 0.6

3 Senanga, Zambia Police St. Endosulfan 0.64 Ndola town Dinitro-O-Cresol 20% 14.4

5a Nchanga/Kitwe farm MCPA and other pesticides 0.65b Nchanga/Kitwe farm Ethylene-dibromide 1800 g/l 0.025

6 Mpongwe/Luanshya Various unidentified pesticides 1.5

Total 336

joint disposal of +340 tonnes of obsolete pesticidestocks. About 270 to 300 tonnes of the total are storedin the compound of the Zambia CooperationFederation (ZCF). The operation is expected to startearly in 1997. The breakdown of the obsolete pesticidesand the different sites affected are shown in Table 3and on the map of Zambia (Figure 5).

Planned activities in the near future• A pilot disposal operation in a third country,Seychelles, is to be undertaken in 1997.


Chapter 2

Update on FAO activitiesA. Wodageneh

to obsolete pesticides. This led to the establishment ofproject GCP/INT/572/NET, “Prevention and Disposalof Obsolete Pesticide Stocks in Africa and the NearEast: Phase 1”, funded by the Government of theNetherlands. The project aims to prevent further andunnecessary accumulation of obsolete pesticidestocks, to quantify the problem of obsolete pesticides,to demonstrate the feasibility of disposal operationsand to enhance broad involvement of aid agencies ineliminating obsolete pesticides from Africa and theNear East. The project became operational in July1994. Its main activities include:

• Inventory of obsolete pesticide stocks in Africaand the Near East.

• Promotion of preventive measures to avoidaccumulation of obsolete pesticides. To this endthe project prepared, published and distributedProvisional guidelines on prevention ofaccumulation of obsolete pesticide stocks andPesticide storage and stock control manual.

• Review and assessment of various disposalmethods. This resulted in the Provisionalguidelines on disposal of bulk quantities of obsoletepesticides in developing countries which wereprepared in collaboration with UNEP and WHO.

• Implementation of pilot disposal operations toestablish the feasibility of pesticide disposaloperations.

• Initiating and facilitating disposal operations at therequest of governments and aid agencies. This mayinclude advice, preparatory visits, assistance inacquisition of funds, monitoring of operations, oreven implementation of operations.

• Promoting donor cooperation and coordination inpesticide disposal operations.

CURRENT DEVELOPMENTSInventoriesLate in 1994, FAO commenced its inventory of obsoletepesticide stocks in Africa and the Near East. By May1996, detailed figures had been collected from about 35countries. Extrapolation of these figures leads to an

BACKGROUNDMost developing countries are left with large stocks ofobsolete pesticides. Generally, these are leftoverpesticides that can no longer be used because theyhave deteriorated as a result of prolonged storage, orbecause their use was banned while they were still instore. Particularly in Africa, a large proportion of theobsolete pesticides are leftovers from pesticides thatcountries obtained under aid arrangements.

Most of the stocks are kept in substandard stores andare in a deplorable state, with many containers leaking. Ifadequate action is not taken, many of the obsoletepesticides currently kept in developing countries willend up in the environment. The implications for publichealth and the environment can be severe, particularlywhere groundwater or rivers are being contaminated.The situation is of particular concern where storage sitesare located in urban areas or near irrigation schemes orrivers. Point-source environmental contamination withconcentrated pesticides may cause a major setback to thedevelopment of the area concerned.

The main causes of accumulation of obsoletepesticides are: inadequate storage facilities and poorstock management; overstocking of pesticides, oftenas a result of excessive donations; unsuitable products(not effective or wrong formulation) or unsuitablepackaging (inappropriate size or not durable); andbanning of pesticides that are still kept in store. Inmany cases, accumulation of obsolete pesticides couldhave been prevented by better planning ofrequirements, better selection of products and/or betterstock management and storage.

Generally, in developing countries there are no safeand environmentally sound disposal facilities forobsolete pesticides.

FAO PROJECT: PREVENTION AND DISPOSALOF OBSOLETE PESTICIDE STOCKSIN AFRICA AND THE NEAR EASTSince the early 1990s, FAO has received an increasingnumber of requests for advice or assistance from itsmember countries for help to solve problems related

Update on FAO activities14

overall estimate of 15 000 to 20 000 tonnes of obsoletepesticides in Africa, excluding contaminated soil,containers and other materials. A general summary ofthe inventory results is presented in Table 1, p. 7.

The inventory details have been processed into adatabase which contains information on individualobsolete products (e.g. formulation, container type,age and origin). For each country, indications areprovided of storage conditions and associated risks tothe environment and human health. A printout of theinventory was distributed. It was emphasized that thedata in the inventory were provided by governments.They have not been verified and it is possible thatmore stocks exist. Several products on the list requireanalysis to determine whether they are actuallyobsolete or whether they can still be used.

FAO also collected figures from other countries,particularly in Asia and Eastern Europe. Severalcountries in these regions have obsolete stocks inexcess of 5 000 tonnes each. The total of obsoletepesticide stocks in non-OECD countries is expected tobe far in excess of 100 000 tonnes. In addition, thereare large quantities of heavily contaminated soil thatshould be regarded as hazardous waste.

The main conclusions emerging from the inventoriesare:

• there are vast quantities of obsolete pesticides indeveloping countries;

• obsolete pesticides include large stocks oforganochlorine compounds whose use has beenbanned for environmental and public healthreasons (e.g. dieldrin, DDT, HCH);

• obsolete pesticide stocks include significantquantities of highly toxic organophosphoruscompounds (WHO Class Ia and Ib);

• many of the obsolete pesticides are in a deplorablestate and pose a severe threat to the environment

and public health;• pesticide stores are generally substandard and areoften located in or near urban areas or close towater bodies (ports, irrigation schemes, rivers);

• in the locust zone, obsolete stocks include largestrategic stocks for locust control, several of whichare more than 20 years old.

Technical feasibility of disposal operationsAt present, high-temperature incineration is the preferredoption for bulk quantities of obsolete pesticides. Becauseof the limited possibilities in developing countries, inmost cases the recommended method will be shipmentof the pesticides to a dedicated hazardous wasteincinerator in an industrialized country. For further detailsreference is made to the Provisional guidelines on thedisposal of bulk quantities of obsolete pesticide stocks indeveloping countries.

Pilot disposal projects carried out by FAO and otheragencies have established that shipment of obsoletepesticides to incinerators in Europe is technically andfinancially feasible. Table 4 provides an overview ofsuccessfully completed pesticide disposal operationsconducted by FAO and other agencies.

Cost indicationsFor quantities larger than 50 tonnes total disposal costsare in the order of US$3 000 to $4 500 per tonne. Thisprice includes preparation, materials, repackaging,shipment and incineration of obsolete pesticides, as wellas monitoring by an independent consultant. Actual costsdepend on several factors, such as the total quantity ofobsolete pesticides; the number and type of products; thecondition of products; the extent and nature ofcontamination; the number of sites and the distancesbetween them; and the distance from a seaport. Table 5provides some examples.

TABLE 4

Pesticide disposal operations: completed and ongoing

Year Country Product Quantity (tonnes) Agency

1991 Niger Dieldrin 60 USAID/GTZ/Shell

1993 Uganda Dieldrin 50 FAO/UNCDF

1993 Madagascar Dieldrin 70 GTZ

1994 Mozambique DDT/monocrotophos 160 GTZ

1995 Zanzibar Various 280 DGIS/USAID

1996 Yemen Various 260 FAO/DGIS/KfW

1996 Tanzania DNOC 55 GTZ

Commenced Zambia Various 330 FAO/DGIS/GTZ


Quantities smaller than 50 tonnes are relatively moreexpensive. A quantity of 10 tonnes may cost up toUS$80 000, depending on its location.

Pesticide disposal companiesCommercial incineration companies in Europe areincreasingly showing interest in pesticide disposaloperations supported by aid agencies. Contracts fordisposal operations in Zanzibar and Zambia weretendered and attracted three and two bidding companiesrespectively.

Portfolio of disposal projectsAs requested by the First Consultation meeting (AnnexI), FAO is building up a portfolio of pesticide disposal

TABLE 5Examples which offer an indication of costs

Country Quantity All-in costs Price per tonne Products Sites Port Contamination(tonnes) (US$ million) (US$)

Uganda 50 0.2 4 000 1 1 far little

Zanzibar 280 1.0 3 800 many 20 near little

Yemen 262 1.0 3 500 many 20 near severe

Zambia* 336 1.2 3 600 many 6 far severe

Note: Costs include: preparatory visits and other preparations, analysis of samples, supply of all materials and equipment, supervised repackaging, local expenses, shipment,incineration and auditing/monitoring by an independent expert.* Estimate.

projects to facilitate donor involvement in this field. Anumber of project briefs have been prepared on thebasis of FAO’s inventories of obsolete stocks in Africaand the Near East. For each country, they containdetails about the size and nature of the stock, theorigin of individual products, the condition of storagesites and associated hazards, and an indication ofdisposal costs based on available information.

Detailed written proposals can be prepared at thespecific request of governments or aid agencies.Generally, preparation of a such a proposal involves afield visit and inspection of stocks.

FAO tries to match developing countries whichrequest assistance with relevant aid agencies.


Chapter 3

The work of other agencies andorganizations relating to prevention

and disposal of obsolete and unwantedpesticide stocks

Time scheduleJune 1992 to July 1996.

Procedure1. Careful assessment of the DNOC as to quantity,quality, storage and transport conditions, siteevaluation, acute hazard assessment etc.2. Safeguarding measures at seven storage sites for71 000 litres of DNOC.3. Finalization of the disposal concept developmentincluding testing of DNOC incineration conditions,evaluation of the facilities at the cement factory, designof the Waste Introduction System (WIS), constructionof the WIS at Dar-es-Salaam University, involvementof a Tanzanian steel mill for the destruction of theDNOC containers.4. Transportation of the DNOC within Tanzania to theTwiga Cement Factory near Dar-es-Salaam from fivestorage sites.5. Installation and testing of the WIS at the cementfactory.6. Incineration of 57 600 litres of obsolete DNOC inthe cement kiln.

Problems encountered• DNOC from Zambia was not included;• difficulties in planning and timing approaches;• uncertainties about administrative approvalprocedures and the different responsibilities of thevarious government agencies involved;

• dependence on the work plan of the cement factory;• perception of the disposal operation, e.g. bygovernment employees or workers at the cementfactory. Incineration work was stopped at one pointbecause of the concerns of workers at the factory,but recommenced when they were reassured;

• technical problems with the WIS.

GERMAN AGENCY FOR TECHNICALCOOPERATION (GTZ)Preliminary report on the DNOC disposal in theUnited Repub lic of T anzaniaGTZ has a pesticide disposal project which has beenrunning since 1991. Its key objective is the developmentof concepts and proposals for the disposal of obsoletepesticides and their containers in an environmentallyacceptable manner. For detailed information about thisproject reference is made to the report of the FirstConsultation meeting on the prevention and disposal ofobsolete and unwanted pesticide stocks in Africa and theNear East, held from 12 to 14 December 1994.

ObjectiveThe aim of the project was the environmentally sounddisposal of obsolete pesticides in Africa in the countryof origin of the waste (Tanzania) by using existingincineration facilities (cement factory).

Incineration in a cement kiln is not suitable for allpesticide types, many of which can only be incineratedin a dedicated high-temperature toxic wasteincinerator with sophisticated emission controls.DNOC is potentially suitable for incineration incement kilns because of its specific structure.

The benefits of dealing with the waste in anacceptable manner in the country of origin include theelimination of hazards and costs associated withrepackaging and intercontinental transportation.

ExecutionInternational Red Locust Control Organization forCentral and Southern Africa (IRLCO-CSA) andPesticide Disposal Project of the GTZ in cooperationwith Twiga Portland Cement Co. Ltd and with thesupport of various Tanzanian government entities.

The work of other agencies and organizations relating to prevention and disposal of obsolete and unwanted pesticide stocks18

ResultsIn total 98 000 litres of DNOC-Diesel mixture wereincinerated. More than 450 steel drums were rinsedand 400 of these were melted at the steel mill. Theremaining drums were given to the Tanzanian Ministryof Agriculture for their use.

The WIS was handed over to the Twiga PortlandCement Co. Ltd for possible use in similar futureoperations.

Clinker from the cement kiln and dust were testedfor DNOC residues and none were found. The totalcost of the operation was 350 000 DM, orapproximately US$240 000; that is $4 167 per tonne.

In line with GTZ’s objectives, which includedevelopment of concepts and proposals for thedisposal of obsolete pesticides and their containers inan environmentally acceptable manner, a total of57 600 tonnes of DNOC has been disposed of in acement kiln in Tanzania without incidents.

THE NETHERLANDS FOREIGN MINISTRY (DGIS)Mr J.O. Verboom of DGIS stated that the Netherlandssupports the implementation of an integrated approachto the solution of the problem of obsolete pesticidestocks. This includes support for projects whichgenerate long-term prevention measures to avoidfuture accumulation of obsolete pesticide stocks. TheNetherlands currently supports several integrated pestmanagement (IPM) projects. The Netherlands alsosupports the prior informed consent (PIC) process andhas supported disposal operations in Yemen, Zanzibar,Zambia and Seychelles. In the latter two cases,operations will start in the first half of 1997.

Mr H.P. van der Wulp, who had assisted theGovernment of the Netherlands in preparing andmonitoring the disposal operation in Zanzibar, made apresentation about that operation.

The operation involved about 280 tonnes ofpesticides, industrial chemicals and old schoolchemicals that were collected from over 20 sites on theislands of Zanzibar and Pemba.

The operation took place in the period September toNovember 1995 and had to be interrupted for a fewweeks in October because of the unstable situation asa result of elections. The operation was a turnkey oneinvolving high-temperature incineration at RechemUK. The company had been selected through aninternational tender procedure. The costs of theoperation were just under US$1 million whichincluded the turnkey contract with the selected

company, local expenses and consultancy assistance inpreparing and monitoring the operation. Not includedin the total were: overheads at DGIS; staff time of theDutch coordinator of a Dutch project on Zanzibarproviding assistance to the Department of Environment(NADE); and costs of inventories of obsoletechemicals on Zanzibar conducted since 1987.

Some lessons learned• A three-day preparatory training course for allnational staff involved appeared very useful.Modules included: first aid; establishing a safeworking area; ergonomic lifting and moving ofheavy packages; international regulations withregard to the transport of hazardous materials;product knowledge/hazard assessment; andpersonal protection.

• The period between the signing of the contract andthe commencement of operations was only onemonth. This was possible largely because Rechempaid its shipping agent to fly to Dar-es-Salaam toarrange all clearances. The clearing procedureswent very fast and such an action is recommendedfor future operations.

• When inspecting the materials for repackagingthe pesticides the consultant found that theFlexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs)for the repackaging of solids and contaminatedsoil did not meet International MaritimeDangerous Goods (IMDG) Code criteria. Theproblem was overcome by flying in liners andobtaining documentary proof of United Nationsapproval of the bags with liners.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION DG VIIIEC-DG VIII is concerned with the provision of aidfrom the European Union to African, Caribbean andPacific States (ACP) in partnership agreementsgoverned by the Lomé Convention.

Over the past two years the Commission has beenworking with the assistance of the Pesticides Trust todevelop guidelines and strategies to ensure thatdependence on pesticides in recipient countries isreduced as far as possible. This will be achievedprimarily by implementing IPM strategies in projectsfunded by the EC and by promoting the adoption ofIPM policies in recipient countries.

The first phase of this work, culminating in theproduction of a set of guidelines and briefings, wascompleted in January 1996 and launched in a


consultation meeting of Commission officials, ACPcountry delegates and experts in the implementation ofIPM in development programmes.

Phase two has recently been approved and work willcontinue to implement the guidelines in a sample ofLomé Convention countries and throughout theCommission.

Recognizing that the legacy of past practices remainsin the form of obsolete pesticide dumps in manydeveloping countries, the Commission is now planningto help find solutions to this problem. A disposaloperation is currently being planned to removeobsolete pesticide stocks from Cape Verde, Senegal,Mauritania and the Gambia.

It is hoped that this work will be supported by thepesticide industry and the Commission looks to FAOto coordinate activities in this area. It is also preparedto consider applications from other ACP countriesseeking assistance for the disposal of obsoletepesticide stocks.

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONAGENCY (USEPA)Course on Pesticide Disposal in DevelopingCountriesMs J.K. Jensen of USEPA said that a regionalinternational training course is being developed underUSEPA to assist developing countries with pesticidedisposal problems. The first draft of the course studentmanual was given to selected Consultation participantsfor review and comment. Tentatively, the course willbe pilot tested and validated in a Central Americancountry, probably Guatemala, in February 1997.

The purpose of the course, designed to last four anda half days, is to inform participants of disposal optionsand to provide practical experience by workingthrough both hypothetical and real-life case-studies.More specifically, the objectives of the course are to:

• introduce students to options available for thedisposal of bulk quantities of pesticides;

• provide a basic technical, legal and logisticalframework for them to make informed decisions;

• develop in-country and regional expertise forpesticide disposal;

• provide guidance to avoid pesticide disposalproblems in the future.

The course is designed to teach participants how to:conduct and evaluate pesticide inventories;

• select management and disposal options;• dispose of empty containers;

• protect workers entering storage sites;• clean up storage sites;• develop a risk-communication strategy for theselected disposal option;

• prevent the buildup of unwanted stocks in thefuture.

UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONALDEVELOPMENT (USAID)Ms G. Huden of USAID reminded the meeting of thepossibility of transferring excess pesticide stocks fromcountries where they are considered unwanted to othercountries which can make use of them. Termed“triangulation”, this practice has been supported andfunded by USAID in a number of instances.Triangulation makes available surplus products whererequired which otherwise would have becomeobsolete. An investment in repacking and transportsaves disposal costs for the country of origin andprocurement costs for the country of destination.

Circumstances for such transfer operations werediscussed during the First Consultation meeting in1994.

THE PESTICIDES TRUSTMr M. Davis said that FAO’s activities in the area ofprevention and disposal of obsolete and unwantedpesticide stocks from Africa and the Near East arewelcomed and they should continue for as long as theproblem continues to exist. Particularly commendableis the fact that FAO has addressed the issue ofprevention before providing the cure, in that guidelineson the prevention of accumulation of unwanted andobsolete pesticide stocks and on storage and stockmanagement preceded the guidelines for disposal.

The scale of the problem as illustrated by theinventory prepared for this meeting by FAO is hugeand, while it is sincerely hoped that the problem isfinite, its ultimate solution will require a great deal ofeffort and some considerable time.

The resources needed to solve this problem areenormous. Scarce funds which could be used fordevelopment are being diverted literally to burn theerrors of the past. The responsibilities of industry anddonors in creating the problem through erroneouspractices should not be overlooked. Supply ofunregistered products, overstocking, wrong products,unusable formulations, inappropriate packaging,duplicate supplies and other poor practices have allcontributed to the creation of obsolete and unwanted

The work of other agencies and organizations relating to prevention and disposal of obsolete and unwanted pesticide stocks20

pesticide stocks. Industry and donors must not shirktheir responsibilities in providing solutions to theproblem of obsolete pesticide stocks which they playedsuch a major part in creating.

FAO’s activities thus far have focused on Africa andthe Near East but it should not be forgotten thatsignificant obsolete and unwanted pesticide stocksexist in other regions of the world including Asia,South and Central America and Eastern Europe.

The FAO guidelines for the disposal of unwantedand obsolete pesticides allow for new developments intechnology and management methods for theirelimination, but the most widely accepted method inthe guidelines as well as at this meeting is high-temperature incineration. In the vast majority of casesthis entails transportation to dedicated incinerators innorthern countries, primarily the United Kingdom,and in some cases cement kilns have been used andare proposed for use.

Transportation of toxic waste for incineration is nota faultless solution. There are risks involved in thetransportation of toxic waste materials, there aredocumented environmental risks associated with high-temperature incineration of organic compounds suchas pesticides and there is ongoing and increasingpolitical opposition to this strategy. It is not acceptable,in solving the health and environmental problems indeveloping countries, to create new, similar problemsin developed countries receiving the waste.

New technologies and management methods shouldbe actively investigated to find any which are safe andeffective and which can be implemented in developingcountries. Their cost-effectiveness is clearly animportant factor but, in assessing this, it is worthtaking account not only of obsolete and unwantedpesticide stocks but also of other toxic waste materialssuch as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) whichrequire safe destruction. FAO, as the lead organizationin this process and the producer of guidelines for thedisposal of unwanted and obsolete pesticides, shouldactively investigate options other than intercontinentaltransport and incineration.

In order to prevent similar waste problems fromarising in the future efforts need to be directed atminimizing the procurement and use of pesticides. Tothis end the Pesticides Trust is operating in a numberof areas:

• working with the European Commission to developguidelines for the promotion of IPM incommission-aided agricultural programmes;

• assisting in the development of organic cottonproduction in West Africa;

• providing information to farmers to allow them tomake more informed decisions on pesticide use;

• encouraging and providing strategies for low-inputpublic land management in the UK;

• participating in and promoting international actionto eliminate the production and trade in particularlyhazardous pesticides, to control the trade inpesticides and promote IPM and other low inputagricultural systems.

INTERNATIONAL GROUP OF NATIONALASSOCIATIONS OF AGROCHEMICALMANUFACTURERS (GIFAP)The role of industryMr P. Natkanski said that approaches had been made inthe past for industry to become involved in the provisionof solutions for the problems arising from obsolete andunwanted pesticide stocks. The pesticide industry hadfelt unable to respond to these approaches withoutknowing the scale of the problem to be addressed.

FAO has prepared an inventory of obsolete andunwanted pesticide stocks in Africa and the Near East.As a result, GIFAP, representing the major worldpesticide manufacturers, has called upon its membercompanies to consider how they might assist inproviding a solution to the problem.

GIFAP supports the FAO approach of dealing withthe problem of obsolete and unwanted pesticide stockson a country-by-country basis; a single project to tryand clear a whole continent would be unmanageable.

GIFAP was also pleased to note that funds are beingsought and offered from sources other than industryfor the provision of solutions.

As a result of FAO’s publication of the inventory ofobsolete and unwanted pesticide stocks in Africa andthe Near East, a meeting between GIFAP and FAOwas held in Rome on 30 August 1996. The conclusionsof the meeting were as follows:

• the inventory will be circulated to all GIFAPmembers;

• companies will outline their intentions, which mayinclude funds, technical assistance or the provisionof facilities to assist in the disposal of obsolete andunwanted pesticide stocks from Africa and the NearEast. These intentions were to be provided to GIFAPby the end of October or early November 1996;

• GIFAP will assemble a coordinated industryresponse to FAO.


GIFAP would prefer to avoid unilateral responsesfrom pesticide manufacturing companies, believingthat a coordinated response would be a great dealmore effective.

Non-industry donors asked how they might tap intoindustry assistance to support programmes which theyare funding. GIFAP responded that the form ofindustry contributions needs to be assessed before anycommitments can be made. The donors asked to bekept informed of the agenda between FAO and GIFAP.

Asked whether the industry response to this requestfor assistance would be a one-off contribution toabsolve industry of its responsibilities in other regionsor in future problems, GIFAP responded that it didnot expect industry’s response to be different in thecase of future requests for assistance from FAO inthis area.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTER OF POTENTIALLYTOXIC CHEMICALS (IRPTC)Ms B. Bender said that IRPTC operates in theframework of the United Nations EnvironmentProgramme (UNEP) to provide information aboutchemicals to any who require it. In particular, this is ofuse to developing countries which may not have well-developed chemical management capacities.

The most recent development in this area is IRPTC’sestablishment of a series of Internet home pages asfollows:

• UNEP/IRPTC on http://irptc.unep.ch/irptc/describes the IRPTC mandates, major activitiesand functions that ensure the sound managementof toxic chemicals and waste. Users will also gainaccess to the IRPTC databank on chemicals, theScreening Information Data Sets (SIDS), users’manuals for the IRPTC-PC databank system andnew publications as they become available.

• Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and the LondonGuidelines on http://irptc.unep.ch/pic/ containsreports and documents related to the FAO/UNEPmandate to implement the PIC procedure andongoing negotiations to develop a legally bindinginstrument on PIC. It also contains a list ofchemicals and pesticides subject to PIC.

• Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) on http://irptc.unep.ch/pops/ informs users on issues and theprogress made by countries and internationalorganizations to initiate action to reduce oreliminate emissions and discharges of POPs. Userscan also learn more about the recommendations

which may lead to the development of a legallybinding instrument on POPs.

• Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) onhttp://irptc.unep.ch/prtr/ describes the collabo-ration and activities of the international, nationaland non-governmental organizations (NGOs) onthe PRTR and the benefits and use of the PRTRsystem to track emissions and waste transfers forbetter management of chemicals. PRTRs are basedon the principle of the community’s right to know.


Chapter 4

The obsolete and unwantedpesticides problem in the Sahel region

Dr Abou Thiam said: The Pesticides Action NetworkAfrica, which has recently opened its office in Dakar,is pleased to attend this meeting on obsolete pesticidesin developing countries.

The statement, slides and video presentations we haveseen this morning demonstrate that the health andenvironmental problems caused by these toxic wastesare becoming widely recognized. We would like to thankFAO for its efforts over the past two years in relation tothese issues in general and Africa in particular.

We believe that we are now in a good position toimplement important action to solve this difficult andcomplex problem. To do this all the parties involvedmust take their share of responsibility. We areparticularly pleased that the pesticide industry isconsidering its participation in the process.

In attempting to solve the problem of obsoletepesticides we should at the same time think aboutmechanisms, strategies and approaches for preventingthe same problems from arising in the future. In otherwords, prevention is very important.

The Pesticides Action Network Africa will fullyparticipate in initiatives in this area.

The situation regarding obsolete pesticides in theSahel countries, where a lot of dieldrin is stored undervery bad conditions, calls for urgent action. We arehappy that FAO, the Permanent Interstate Committeefor Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) and the EUare in the process of starting disposal projects in someSahel countries.

We call on donors, industry, international agencies,regional institutions and governments to consider thisproblem seriously and to give it special attention.

We are convinced that FAO will continue to payattention to the issue and with the help of all partnerswill continue to implement and coordinate activitiesin this area. We hope that decisive steps will be made inthe near future.

FAO added the following: Most obsolete pesticides inthe Sahel region are leftovers of pesticide donations. A

large proportion are 20- to 40-year-old stocks onceowned by the regional organizations for migratorypest control, OCLALAV (locust control) and OICMA(bird control). After the abolition of OICMA and thechange of mandate of OCLALAV, nationalgovernments inherited these stocks. In addition, thereare substantial volumes of leftovers of pesticidesdonated during the 1986 to 1989 locust upsurges.

Stocks also include substantial volumes of old andhighly toxic organophosphorus compounds. Severeleakage of old stocks is widely occurring and moststorage sites are located in urban areas.

Pesticides became obsolete for various reasons,including: banning of the use of old organochlorinatedproducts that were still being kept in store; substandardstores and poor store management; prolonged storageafter overstocking as a result of poor assessment ofneeds and excessive donations; and provision ofinadequate products.

If adequate action is not taken, it must be anticipatedthat many of the obsolete pesticides currently kept inthe Sahel region may sooner or later end up in theenvironment. Already obsolete pesticides aredisappearing as a result of leakage or theft. In Maliand Chad large quantities of dieldrin may have leakedinto the soil after drums were destroyed during civilupheavals. The environmental impact of leakedconcentrated pesticides is far worse than the impact ofthe normal intended use of those products. Theimplications for public health and the environmentcan be severe, particularly if groundwater or rivers arebeing contaminated. The situation is of particularconcern if storage sites are located in urban areas ornear irrigation schemes or rivers, which, unfortunately,is often the case. Point-source environmentalcontamination with concentrated pesticides may causea major setback to the development of the areaconcerned. Both acute poisoning as a result of directcontact with obsolete pesticides and chronic poisoningthrough intake of contaminated water or food arerealistic possibilities. Scarce natural resources such as

The obsolete and unwanted pesticides problem in the Sahel region24

fish stocks and drinking water may be significantlyaffected.

The risk that new stocks will accumulate in the Sahelregion has been reduced through a package of preventivemeasures that are already being taken by the countriesconcerned. This includes: increased emphasis onintegrated pest management; better assessment ofpesticide requirements; and reduction of pesticide needsfor locust and grasshopper control through bettermonitoring of their behaviour and population

development. Moreover, the majority of the stocksconcern very old persistent pesticides. Once these havebeen eliminated they will not be replaced. The CILSScountries have put in place a common pesticideregistration scheme that will prevent the importation ofpersistent and environmentally dangerous pesticides. Thechance that large volumes of new products mightaccumulate in the future is further reduced by presentdonor policies to be more careful about pesticidedonations and avoid excessive donations.


Chapter 5

Innovative technologiesJ.K. Jensen

This paper gives a general overview of innovativetreatment technologies that are currently beingdeveloped in the United States. The United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency (USEPA) definesinnovative treatment technologies as those that lackcost and performance data necessary to support theirroutine use. In general, a treatment technology isconsidered innovative if it has experienced onlylimited full-scale application. Most of the innovativetreatment research in the United States is focused onremediation of relatively low levels of specificcontaminants from environmental media such as air,soil, waste water, and groundwater. For the reasonsoutlined below, only minimal research on innovativedisposal technologies for concentrated, industrial-strength chemicals, such as unwanted pesticide stocks,is currently being conducted.

Innovative technologies that could potentially beused for the disposal of obsolete pesticide stocks orcontaminated environmental media can be groupedinto three categories:

• those that destroy the pesticide, such as chemicaldechlorination, photocatalytic oxidation andbioremediation;

• those that extract the contamination from specificenvironmental media, such as thermal desorption;

• those that simply contain or immobilize thecontamination in place, including solidification,stabilization, vitrification and molten technologies.

Innovative remedies such as dechlorination destroythe molecule by removing chlorine. Technologies thatextract contamination such as thermal desorption mayuse a chemical solvent or heat to remove the pesticidesfrom soil, groundwater or other media. Technologiesthat immobilize unwanted pesticides may stabilize thepesticide by using a substance, such as cement, thatwill bind with and solidify the concentrated pesti-cide. Several innovative treatment and disposaltechnologies are briefly described below. Thesetechnologies are discussed in terms of the type ofsubstance (e.g. contaminated soil or contaminatedwater) that has been treated and studied.

Chemical dechlorinationThis process destroys or detoxifies certainorganochlorine pesticides in contaminated soils bygradually removing chlorine atoms. The conditionsthat most commonly determine the efficacy and costof dechlorination methods include the size of soilparticles, the soil’s moisture content, the organiccarbon content of the soil and the clean-up levelsrequired. This technology appears to overcomelimitations of its two main predecessors, namelytreatment with alkaline polyethylene glycol (APEG)and potassium polyethylene glycol (KPEG), as thesetechnologies require expensive reagents, extensive soilpretreatment, long retention times and possiblyincomplete dehalogenation.

The USEPA developed the base catalyseddecomposition (BCD) process to detoxify chlorinatedcompounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)and dioxins. It uses two different technologies: thermaldesorption followed by a chemical process to separateand detoxify organic contaminants. It is an efficient,relatively inexpensive treatment process andpotentially capable of treating chlorinated compoundsat virtually any concentration. However, the processcan be expensive for high concentrations because itrequires a large dose of chemicals to react with thechlorine. Field data on the performance and cost ofBCD for organochlorines are very limited. The BCDchemistry has been used to destroy up to 100 000 ppmof PCBs in dielectric fluids and is claimed to havetotally dechlorinated 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T at 10 percentstarting concentrations.

Photocatalytic oxidationThis is an effective method for treating aqueoushazardous wastes. Photocatalytic oxidation utilizes aphotochemical reaction, rather than a thermal process,to destroy harmful contaminants. Either naturalsunlight, a resource usually abundantly available inmost developing countries, or artificial ultraviolet(UV) light can be used to activate a catalyst, thusinitiating the destruction/reduction process. The

Innovative technologies26

process is relatively simple, using a UV source (eithernatural sunlight or UV lamps), a catalyst, such astitanium dioxide (TiO

2), and piping to hold the

contaminated water. The TiO2, which is either added to

the waste water to form a slurry or fixed to a lattice-type structure, is a semiconductor and an effectivecatalyst because it does not become depleted duringreactions, nor is it toxic.

Photocatalytic oxidation has the followingadvantages:

• it destroys organics, such as aldicarb, aldrin,dieldrin and PCBs;

• it destroys contaminants on site;• it is relatively non-power intensive if sunlight isused;

• it is cost-effective compared with other con-ventional technologies;

• it provides an alternative to incineration.However, its major disadvantage is that photo-

oxidation is designed for decontaminating aqueoushazardous wastes, such as those found in groundwateror waste water, rather than concentrated organicpesticides typically found in developing countries.

BioremediationThis technology is being studied mainly as a way toclean up contaminated soils, although it can be used totreat aqueous solutions. Bioremediation refers to thebreakdown of contaminants into less-harmful andusually less-toxic components by natural micro-organisms. Bioremediation occurs at a higher rate inthe presence of oxygen, or more slowly under nearoxygen-free conditions. Results of lab studies andenvironmental monitoring for historical organo-chlorine pesticides like DDT and BHC indicate thatthey biodegrade in the environment but at a very slowrate. To date, the USEPA has not found abioremediation process that can accelerate thebiodegradation of organochlorines to a rate necessaryto make such a process commercially viable for use insite clean-ups. Similarly, limited information from fieldwork on the biodegradation of dioxin has shown thatthe process can be significantly lengthy.

For the last 20 years, pesticides have been designed todegrade in the environment, and a considerable amountof information is available on degradation kinetics in soiland water at application concentrations. Less informationis available on bioremediation of sites contaminated byaccidental releases. Many “modern” pesticides contain achemical bond that can be hydrolysed by microbes or

abiotic reactions to yield less-toxic breakdown products.In some instances, the products can serve as growthsubstrates for microorganisms, which lead to“acclimation” or selection of a population of specificdegraders that are able to degrade the pesticide atincreasing rates. For example, carbamates, dinitrocresol,chlorophenoxyacetates and some organophosphates canserve as growth substrates for soil bacteria. Low-levelconcentrations of any pesticide known to serve as agrowth substrate for bacteria or to stimulate acclimationin soil would be good candidates for bioremediation.However, high-level concentrations of these samepesticides may be toxic to the microorganisms.

Thermal desorptionThermal desorption can treat contaminated soils byheating the soil at relatively low temperatures between300° and 1 000° Fahrenheit. The heat separates thecontaminants from the soil. The contaminants thenrequire further treatment. The effectiveness and costof this technology vary and depend on sitecharacteristics, such as the moisture content of the soiland the concentration and distribution of thecontaminants. In addition, thermal desorption cangenerate residues that need to be monitored and mayrequire further treatment.

Solidification/stabilizationSolidification and stabilization technologies focusprimarily on limiting the solubility or mobility ofcontaminants, generally by physical means ratherthan by chemical reaction. Waste solidificationtechnologies encapsulate the contaminants in a solidmaterial, such as Portland cement or asphalt. Wastestabilization technologies convert contaminants intoless soluble, mobile or toxic forms by adding a binderto the waste, such as cement kiln dust or fly ash.Historically, solidification and stabilizationtechnologies have been used to treat metals and otherinorganic compounds, not organic compounds such asmost obsolete pesticides.

VitrificationIn situ vitrification development began in 1980 as amethod to treat soil contaminated with radioactivematerials and avoid the problems associated withexcavation and transportation. The technology treatscontaminated soils in situ by converting them into astable, rigid, glassy product when it cools. Both 4,4-DDT and dieldrin have been reduced from


pretreatment values of 13 000 ppm and 4 600 ppm,respectively, to less than 16 ppm after the completionof a test.

Molten technologiesSimilar to vitrification, molten technologies lockcontaminants into a matrix. Rather than melting thecontaminated matrix, however, molten technologiesintroduce waste into a molten bath of salts or metals.The bath provides heat for reactions; catalysesorganic destruction reactions; and wets, dissolvesand/or encapsulates contaminants. With thistechnology, contaminants are contained throughphysical/chemical processes; the technology does notrely strictly on high temperatures as incinerationtypically does. Because molten technologies destroymuch of the wastes, significant volume reduction isalso achieved.

The molten-salt treatment is accomplished byintroducing wastes, along with an oxygen source (airor pure oxygen), into a pool of molten sodium,potassium and lithium carbonates (or other alkalinesalts). Operating temperatures are commonly held to950°C +50, but may be controlled throughout the

range of 700° to 1200°C. At this operatingtemperature, the molten salt has a viscosity similar towater. The waste streams introduced can be gaseous,liquid, solid or slurry; however, the maximum particlesize must be limited to 3 mm for pneumatic conveying.In general, most waste materials release a sufficientamount of heat to keep the salt bath hot and molten. Afew waste streams may require the addition ofsupplemental fuel. This process has demonstrated PCBdestruction efficiencies of greater than 99.9999percent, with complete removal of the chlorine by-product in the melt. Pesticides and PCBs can be treatedwith this emerging technology.

ConclusionsAlthough the USEPA is actively encouraginginnovative technologies, it has yet to identify anytechnologies as effective as incineration for the typesof bulk disposal of concentrated unwanted pesticidescommonly found in developing countries. However,several innovative technologies are being developedand tested that may some day prove effective, eitheralone or in combination, in disposing of thesepesticides.


Chapter 6

Regulatory aspectsP. Portas

THE BASEL CONVENTION – A GLOBAL WAYFORWARDThe Basel Convention on the Control ofTransboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes andtheir Disposal was adopted in March 1989. Thisconvention became effective in May 1992 andcurrently has 103 contracting parties, including theEuropean Community. The Basel Convention is theresponse of the international community to theproblems caused by the 400 million tonnes ofhazardous wastes generated every year worldwide.

The Basel Convention is first and foremost a globalmultilateral treaty that strictly regulates thetransboundary movements of hazardous wastes anddefines the legal obligations of the parties for ensuringenvironmentally sound management and, in particular,disposal of the wastes.

The convention recognizes that the most effectiveway of protecting human health and the environmentfrom the danger posed by such wastes is the reductionof their generation to a minimum in terms of quantityand/or hazard potential. This is the underlyingphilosophy behind the objectives set out in theconvention, together with the environmentally soundmanagement of the hazardous wastes nonethelessgenerated. In this respect, the Basel Conventionstipulates three main interdependent and mutuallysupportive goals that have to be fulfilled:

• transboundary movements of hazardous wastesshould be reduced to a minimum consistent withtheir environmentally sound management;

• hazardous wastes should be treated and disposedof as close as possible to their source of generation;

• hazardous waste generation should be reduced andminimized at source.

Pesticides within the scope of the Basel ConventionPesticide wastes are identified in the Basel Conventionin Annex I, Categories of wastes to be controlled. TheTechnical Working Group agreed, while developinglists of wastes, to place “waste from the production,formulation and use of biocides and

phytopharmaceuticals, including pesticides andherbicides which are off-specification, outdated orunfit for their originally intended use” on the list ofhazardous wastes that will be subject to theamendment once it enters into force.

Technical assistanceThe Basel Convention is becoming a technicalassistance-oriented convention. As part of theactivities undertaken by the secretariat, the issue ofthe management of unused or outdated pesticides hasbecome significant. In this regard, quick actions arerequired within a strategic framework from the finaldisposal procurement.

When it comes to dealing with the critical and fastevolving issues of the generation, treatment, storage,transport or disposal of hazardous wastes, a front-lineand pragmatic approach is essential. Quick, effectiveand efficient actions are required to respond to pressingneeds.

The secretariat is developing tactical and strategicelements to address hazardous wastes issues. Somekey elements are:

• the critical issues concerning hazardous wastes forwhich measures can be taken now to improve thesituation;

• the need to address these issues, including regionalor international operation;

• the response capacity of the countries.In this context, the secretariat would be most

interested in working closely with FAO and otherIGOs involved in the issues of pesticide wastes.

INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONSThe international legal landscape has changedsubstantially in the last few years. The BaselConvention is the global instrument dealing with theworldwide movements of hazardous wastes and theirdisposal.

As recognized in the Basel Convention, regionalcooperation is essential to focus efforts and resourceson the specific identified needs of a region. As part of

Regulatory aspects30

this process, a number of regional conventions,protocols or arrangements have been concluded or arebeing developed that concern hazardous wastes orinclude provisions for hazardous waste movement andmanagement.

The secretariat of the Basel Convention wasinvolved during the preparation of the following threeconventions:

• the Bamako Convention;• the Waigani Convention;• the Draft Protocol for the Prevention of Pollutionof the Mediterranean Sea by TransboundaryMovements of Hazardous Wastes and theirDisposal.

The Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Importinto Africa and the Control of TransboundaryMovement and Management of Hazardous Wastes intoAfrica, adopted under the auspices of the Organizationof African Unity, came into force on 20 March 1996,90 days after ratification by Cameroon. Thesignificance of the Bamako Convention primarily liesin its being the initiative of the African countriesthemselves. The concept of African self-reliance andcooperation provides the underpinning of thislandmark convention. It is an attempt at harmonizingan African position on global environmental issues. Inthis convention, there is an obligation for parties totransport hazardous wastes in accordance withestablished international recommendations, rules,regulations or procedures.

The Waigani Convention, adopted in Port Moresby,Papua New Guinea, in September 1995, bans theimportation into South Pacific Forum countries ofhazardous and radioactive wastes and controls thetransboundary movement and management ofhazardous wastes within the South Pacific region. Theconvention bans the import and export of all hazardousand radioactive wastes and aims to facilitatecompliance with the ban by the timely forwarding ofall information related to import and export of thesewastes to the secretariat of the convention.

The Draft Protocol for the Prevention of Pollutionof the Mediterranean Sea by TransboundaryMovements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposalhas been developed for the parties to the Conventionfor the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea AgainstPollution, adopted in Barcelona on 16 February 1976.The draft protocol requires parties to prevent andeliminate pollution in the Mediterranean Sea area, totake all appropriate measures to eliminate the

generation of hazardous wastes and to minimize themovement of such wastes. The next meeting of theparties to the Barcelona Convention is scheduled forOctober 1996.

The basis of these international transport directivesis the work of the United Nations Committee on theTransport of Dangerous Goods, which is valid for allmodes of transport, the IMDG Code of IMO or theADR (road transport) agreement. In its quest forharmonization of transport rules or criteria,intergovernmental work is taking place under theauspices of the United Nations.

Concerning pesticides, it should be noted that thetrend is to use The WHO Recommended Classificationof Pesticides by Hazard and Guidelines toClassification, 1996-1997, produced by theInternational Programme on Chemical Safety. Industry,for instance, will be asked to classify a pesticide inaccordance with its LD

50 value but will also be invited

to consult the WHO LD50

criteria. The WHOrecommendations are seen as a useful tool forharmonization of toxicity values at the internationallevel.

CONCLUSIONSThe issue of pesticide wastes has to be seen from astrategical point of view in the larger context ofhazardous chemical and waste management as well ashealth-agricultural policy practices although, from atactical point of view, pesticide wastes will requirespecific considerations.

The secretariat of the Basel Convention is workingwith many countries in all regions of the world inreviewing what are the most critical issues regardinghazardous wastes that need to be addressed now toimprove the situation dramatically, and pesticidewastes have regularly been identified as one of thosecritical issues.

This approach is developed within an overallstrategic framework that includes legislation, trainingenforcement and hazardous waste minimization. Thesecretariat hopes to contribute meaningfully within itslimited resources to the efforts of the internationalcommunity to assist developing countries and othercountries in the elimination of obsolete pesticides.


Chapter 7

Policy framework

OECD GUIDELINES ON PEST AND PESTICIDEMANAGEMENTH.P. van der Wulp

IntroductionSeveral important international organizations and foraare providing broad policy support for internationalassistance to help solve the urgent problem of obsoletepesticides in developing countries.

In 1995, the Development Assistance Committee ofthe Organisation for Economic Co-operation andDevelopment (OECD/DAC) published the Guidelinesfor Aid Agencies on Pest and Pesticide Management,which stated:

“OECD/DAC recognizes the importance of theproblem of obsolete pesticides and has given obsoletepesticides a prominent place in these guidelines. Aidagencies are called upon to assist developing countriesin preventing further accumulation of obsoletepesticide stocks and in providing technical andfinancial assistance to disposal operations to eliminatethe present obsolete stocks.

• Recipient countries, aid agencies and other donorsshould take measures to avoid a furtheraccumulation of obsolete stocks.

• Recipient countries, with the assistance of aidagencies, should urgently take the necessarymeasures to secure present obsolete stocks. Thiswould include repacking all pesticides currentlykept in leaking, heavily damaged or corrodedcontainers and arranging for their safe and properstorage.

• Aid agencies should provide analytical services torecipient countries to assist them in determiningwhether their older stocks can still be used or havebecome obsolete.

• Aid agencies need to make a concerted effort toprovide the required technical and financialassistance for the disposal of current obsoletestocks of pesticides.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL FORUM ON CHEMICALSAFETYG. Kanoute

At the Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety(IFCS) in Canberra, Australia, in March 1996, theAfrica Working Group met to discuss the seriousproblem of obsolete pesticides. Many of thesepesticides have been in African countries for manyyears and the containers and packaging havedeteriorated to such an extent that there exists a realthreat to humans, animals and the broaderenvironment. The key proposals from this workinggroup are summarized below:

• that a small ad hoc task group be formed to steerand coordinate this urgent matter;

• that FAO and other organizations provide recordsof surveys and inventories to the task group;

• that the funding for clean-up be negotiated betweenappropriate parties, such as the World Bank, theEuropean Commission, OECD countries andindustry;

• that data regarding obsolete stocks be extended tocountries not formerly covered and that old data beupdated;

• that suitable technology for the destruction ofobsolete pesticides be investigated. Australiaindicated the availability of new technology notdependent on incineration. Greenpeace can alsoassist;

• that IFCS acts as a guardian and custodian for thetask group in an assisting/enabling role.

The IFCS Working Group on Obsolete Chemicalsmet during the IFCS meeting in Manila, thePhilippines, in June 1996. The key recommendationsfrom this meeting were as follows:

• that IFCS approach FAO to convene a meeting ofthe Working Group on Obsolete Chemicals to workout a strategy and method of disposal;

• that training courses be developed for inspectors

Policy framework32

and other technical personnel in identification,handling and management of obsolete chemicals;

• that guidelines for handling and management ofchemicals be developed to prevent stockpiling andcontamination of the environment;

• that African countries be given special assistancefor the disposal of these chemicals;

• that FAO and UNEP approach the GlobalEnvironment Facility (GEF) regarding possibleprojects for the disposal of obsolete pesticides.


Chapter 8

Round-table discussion

The discussion was introduced by Mr van der Graaff,Chief, FAO Plant Protection Service. He said FAOintends to continue its involvement in this areaprovided funds are made available for a second phase.He explained that FAO sees its role mainly asinitiating, facilitating and coordinating. FAO tries to

match requests from member countries for assistancein prevention and disposal of obsolete pesticides withfunding possibilities from donors and industry.Facilitating operations could involve technicalassistance in preparing disposal operations andauditing the implementation of operations.


Chapter 9

Recommendations

Delegates who attended the Second Consultation meetingon the Prevention and Disposal of Obsolete andUnwanted Pesticide Stocks in Africa and the Near Eastheld in Rome from 2 to 3 September 1996, organized byFAO, renewed their endorsement of the resolutionadopted at the First Consultation in 1994 (Annex I) andadopted the following recommendations:

FAOFAO, in consultation with other interested parties, isrequested:1. To develop criteria for the selection of countries fordisposal operations, including criteria for theavoidance of the new accumulation of obsolete stocks.

2. To prepare a checklist of issues to be addressed bythose contracting for disposal operations, to enablethem to take advantage of the cumulative experiencefrom various organizations.

3. To develop further mechanisms for independentquality assurance of all aspects of disposal operationsas activities increase in the longer term.

4. To establish a small working group of interestedparties to investigate new and alternative technologiesand management methods for the disposal of obsoletepesticide stocks from developing countries. Emphasisshould be given to technologies that can be used indeveloping countries.

5. In cooperation with other appropriate agencies, tobroaden the survey of obsolete pesticide stocks toother regions of the world.

6. To link obsolete pesticide disposal initiatives withthe development and implementation of programmesrelated to pesticide management, such as awarenesscampaigns, institutional capacity building, farmertraining and extension training.

7. To develop guidelines to address the problem ofsmall quantities of unwanted pesticides and pesticidecontainers.

8. In close cooperation with all parties concerned, towork out modalities for contributions to disposaloperations .

9. To keep the Intergovernmental Forum on ChemicalSafety informed of activities related to the disposal ofobsolete and unwanted pesticide stocks.

GIFAPGIFAP is requested to work out the modalities forfinancial and technical contributions fromagrochemical companies to pesticide disposaloperations.

37Disposal of bulk quantities of obsolete pesticides in developing countries

1 The Representative of Japan stated that he could not underwrite the resolution without clearance fromthe Government of Japan.

Annexes

1. FIRST CONSULTATION MEETING ON THE PREVENTION AND DISPOSAL OFOBSOLETE AND UNWANTED PESTICIDE STOCKS IN AFRICA AND THE NEAREAST (12 TO 14 DECEMBER 1994, FAO, ROME)Summary and ResolutionOver the years, pesticides have been the preferred means of pest control both forcrop protection and vector control in animal and public health programmes. Donoragencies and organizations have with good intentions provided pesticides either asgrants or as part of various aid components destined to developing countries.

However, because of insufficient coordination of pesticide supply/donations bothat national and international level, inappropriate use and poor storage management,lack of expertise in general and the banning of an increasing number of pesticides,many of the very pesticides which were intended to control pests have in due coursebecome obsolete. As a result of prolonged storage, most pesticides have passed theirshelf-life, their labels have been lost, damaged or removed and containers corroded,leading to pesticide leakage and seepage, and contamination of the environment.Although the size and number of sites affected each year and the type and variety ofpesticides received or identified as obsolete pesticides in each of the developingcountries vary from region to region, the seriousness and the overall adverse effectsto public health and the basic environmental implications are similar.

Problems related to obsolete and unwanted pesticides are quite common,widespread and alarming, particularly as most developing countries are seriouslyaffected. If the issue remains unresolved and action is delayed, the magnitude andseverity of the problem will increase and it will be much more difficult to bring itunder control. The damage will be long term and will have much wider implicationsand incalculable adverse effects on the environment.

As a result of growing international environmental awareness and because of theseriousness and frequency of exposure and widespread pesticide-related accidents,developing countries are under increasing pressure to look for assistance andtechnical guidance for the disposal of obsolete pesticides. Subsequently, and mainlybecause of the urgency and continued requests received from affected countries, itbecame important for FAO to organize a meeting: to discuss the issue and exchangeinformation; to enhance understanding and to initiate harmonization; to encourageand motivate donors; to recognize collective responsibility; and to plan coordinatedactions for the disposal of obsolete pesticides. Moreover, it also became imperativeto seek a common position on ways and means to avoid further accumulation ofobsolete and unwanted pesticide stocks in the future.

Donor countries, organizations and aid agencies represented at the meetingaddressed the issue comprehensively. The outcome should be instrumental to acoordinated and concerted international approach.

Therefore, the delegates1 who attended the consultation meeting held in Rome

Annexes38

from 12 to 14 December 1994 under the auspices of FAO, having the foregoing asa background, and after having discussed among themselves the basic issues andlong-term implications of obsolete pesticides, unanimously adopted the followingresolution:

• stocks of obsolete and unwanted pesticides are a serious environmental problemwith international dimensions;

• a large share of these pesticides are leftovers from pesticide donations providedunder aid programmes;

• all major donors and aid agencies in one way or another have been involved;• the problem of obsolete and unwanted pesticide stocks is an international issuewhich recipient countries, aid agencies, donor countries and the pesticide industryhave a joint responsibility to address;

• reduction and prevention of the generation of hazardous waste is called for inUNCED Agenda 21.

Recipient countries, donor governments, aid agencies and the pesticides industrywere called upon to:

• prevent the accumulation of obsolete and unwanted pesticides by implementingthe recommendations of the Provisional guidelines: Prevention of accumulationof obsolete pesticide stocks;

• support project activities to dispose of existing stockpiles of obsolete pesticidesin developing countries and countries in transition in a safe and environmentallysound manner;

• strengthen capacities and capabilities in recipient countries as a primary measureto prevent accumulation of obsolete and unwanted pesticide stocks and insupport of the further implementation of the International Code of Conduct onthe Distribution and Use of Pesticides.

Requests were made to FAO to encourage and enhance cooperation and coordinationamong parties involved in, or interested in, addressing the problem of obsolete andunwanted pesticide stocks. This should include:

• facilitation of disposal operations for obsolete stocks;• facilitation of the development and implementation of strategies for theprevention of accumulation of obsolete and unwanted pesticide stocks;

• provision of services as a reference centre for information on pesticide disposalmatters;

• organization of meetings as necessary for parties involved in, or interested in,pesticide disposal activities;

• identification of obsolete stocks that require urgent action on the basis of humanhealth and environmental concerns, and initiation of disposal operations andstrategies for the prevention of accumulation of obsolete and unwanted pesticidestocks, by bringing together government authorities, aid agencies and otherinterested parties.

Requests were also made to strengthen the capacities and capabilities of developingcountries and countries in transition to prevent accumulation of obsolete pesticidestocks.


2. PAPERS AND MATERIALS PREPARED FOR THE SECOND CONSULTATION

1. Working document for the Second Consultation

2. Inventory of obsolete pesticides in Africa and the Near East

3. Report on the disposal of obsolete pesticide stocks in Yemen

4. Project proposals for the disposal of obsolete pesticide stocks from selectedcountries (viz. Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, the Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, the Niger,Senegal, Eritrea, Ethiopia, the Sudan, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles)

5. Publications– Series No. 1: First Consultation meeting, 12 to14 December 1994– Series No. 2: Prevention of accumulation of obsolete pesticide stocks (Provisional

guidelines)– Series No. 2: Prévention de l’accumulation de stocks de pesticides périmés

(Directives provisoires)– Series No. 3: Pesticide storage and stock control manual– Series No. 4: Disposal of bulk quantities of obsolete pesticides in developing

countries (Provisional technical guidelines)

6. Videos– GCP/INT/572/NET: FAO Pesticide disposal operation in the Republic of Yemen– Rechem Zanzibar Report

Annexes40

3. PROGRAMME

Monday, 2 September 1996

9.00-9.30 amRegistration of participants

9.30-9.45 amOpening and welcomeN.A. van der Graaff, Chief, FAO Plant Protection Service

9.45-10.00 amElection of Chairman and RapporteurAdoption of agenda

10.00-10.30 amCoffee break

10.30-10.45 amIntroduction to the meetingObsolete and unwanted pesticide stocks, guidelines, inventory, Yemen disposaloperation, including video presentationA. Wodageneh, Project coordinator, GCP/INT/572/NET

10.45-11.45 amUpdate on activities: FAOA. Wodageneh, Coordinator; H.P. van der Wulp, FAO Consultant

11.45 am - 12.30 pmUpdate on activities: GTZIncluding a video/slide presentation on incineration of DNOC in a cement kiln in theUnited Republic of Tanzania

12.30-2.00 pmLunch

2.00-2.30 pmUpdate on activities: DGISIncluding a video/slide presentation on the pesticide disposal operation in Zanzibar

2.30-3.15 pmUpdate on activities: other agencies

3.15-3.30 pmTea

3.30-4.15 pmThe situation in the Sahel regionAbou Thiam, PAN


4.15-5.15 pmNew developmentsThe development of new disposal technologiesJ.K. Jensen, USEPA

Regulatory aspects (Basel; IMDG)P. Portas, UNEP SBC

5.15 pmCocktails

Tuesday 3 September 1996

9.00-10.30 amNew developments (continued)Policy framework for disposal operations: OECD Guidelines, IFCS, UNEPAvailability of incineration services and experiences in tendering disposaloperationH.P. van der WulpIncreased involvement of industry:P. Natkanski, GIFAP

10.30-10.45 amCoffee

10.45-11.30 amDiscussion on new developments

11.30 am -12.30 pmRound-table discussion on collaboration and coordination in pesticide disposal,introduced byN.A. van der Graaff

12.30-2.00 pmLunch

2.00-3.30 pmRound-table discussion (continued)Drawing up of recommendations

3.30-4.30 pmTea

4.30-5.00 pmAdoption of recommendationsConclusion and statements by participants

5.00-5.15 pmClosing remarksN.A. van der Graaff

Annexes42

4. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Bender, B.Scientific Affairs OfficerUNEP/IRPTCCase Postale 356 1219Chatelaine, GenevaSwitzerlandtel. (41 22) 9799187fax (41 22) 7973460e-mail: [email protected]

Dale, M.The European Commission DG VIII200 rue da la LoiBrussels, Belgiumtel. (32 2) 2992759fax (32 2) 2992908

Davis, M.The Pesticides TrustEurolink Centre49 Effra RoadLondon SW2 1BZUnited Kingdomtel. (44 171) 2748895fax (44 171) 2749084e-mail: [email protected]

Endo, Y.First Secretary, Embassy of JapanVia Quintino Sella 60Rome, Italytel. (39 6) 487991fax (39 6) 4873316

Gysbersten, K.Ministry of HousingSpatial Planning and EnvironmentP.O. Box 30945The Hague, the Netherlandstel. (31 70) 3394744fax (31 70) 3391297


Huden, G.Environment Centre Global BureauUS Agency for International DevelopmentRoom 509, SA-18 320-21 St, NWWashington DC 20523-182, USAtel. (1 703) 8754076fax (1 703) 8754384e-mail: [email protected]

Jensen, J.K.Policy and Special Project Staff (7501C)Office of Pesticide ProgramsUS Environmental Protection Agency401 “M” St, SWWashington DC 20460, USAtel. (1 703) 3057706fax (1 703) 3056309e-mail: [email protected]

Kanoute, G.Ministry of HealthBamako, Malitel. (22 3) 225301/225302fax (22 3) 230203

Kaufmann, W.Ciba-Geigy LtdPP 1.3Strategic Services AgricultureCH-400 Z BaselSwitzerlandtel. (41 61) 6977184fax (41 61) 6974956e-mail: [email protected]

Link, R.GTZPostfach 5180D-65726 EschbornGermanytel. (49 6196) 791428fax (49 6196) 797173e-mail: [email protected]

Annexes44

Natkanski, P.GIFAP ChairmanInternational Obsolete StocksProject TeamBrussels, Belgiumtel. (32 2) 5420410fax (32 2) 5420419;Zeneca AgrochemicalsEnvironmental ManagerStewardship DepartmentFernhurst, HaslemereSurrey FV27 3JEUnited Kingdomtel. (44 1428) 655729fax (44 1428) 657130

Pambianco, M.European Commission DG Xl.E.2200 rue de la Loi1049 BrusselsBelgiumtel. (32 2)2957583fax (32 2) 2956117

Portas, P.Secretariat of the Basel ConventionGeneva Executive Centre15 chemin des Anemones1219 Chatelaine, GenevaSwitzerlandtel. (41 22) 9799217fax (41 22) 7973454e-mail: [email protected]

Thiam, A.Pesticides Action Network AfricaB.P. 15938Dakar-FannSenegaltel. (22 1) 254-914fax (22 1) 254-914e-mail: [email protected]


Vaagt, G.Technical CooperationGTZP.O. Box 5180D-65726 EschbornGermanytel. (49 6196) 791 082fax (49 6196) 797 180e-mail: [email protected]

Verboom, J.O.Ministry of Foreign AffairsEnvironment Department DML/BDThe Hague, the Netherlandstel. (31 70) 3486414fax (31 70) 3484303

Warris, R.P.GIFAPInternational Obsolete StocksProject TeamBrussels, Belgium;CYANAMIDInternational DivisionKonrad Adenauerstr. 30Ingeleheim am RheinGermanytel. (49 6132) 789118fax (49 6132) 789259

FAO

Zehni, Mohamed S.Director, Plant Production and Protection Divisiontel. (39 6) 52255004fax (39 6) 52256347e-mail: [email protected]

van der Graaff, N.A.Chief, Plant Protection ServicePlant Production and Protection Divisiontel. (39 6) 52253441fax (39 6) 52256347e-mail: [email protected]

Annexes46

Kopisch-Obuch, F.-D.Senior OfficerPesticides GroupPlant Protection ServicePlant Production and Protection Divisiontel. (39 6) 52255757fax (39.6) 52256347e-mail: [email protected]

Hafraoui, A.Senior OfficerMigratory Pests and Emergency Operations GroupPlant Production and Protection Divisiontel. (39 6) 52254021fax (39 6) 52255271e-mail: [email protected]

Scialabba, N.Environmental OfficerEnvironment and Natural Resources ServiceResearch, Extension and Training Divisiontel. (39 6) 52256729fax (39 6) 52253369e-mail: [email protected]

van der Wulp, H.FAO ConsultantJ. van Brakelplantsoen 12253 TD VoorschotenThe Netherlandstel. (31 71) 5322537fax (31 71) 5322739e-mail: [email protected]

Wodageneh, A.CoordinatorGCP/INT/572/NETPlant Protection ServicePlant Production and Protection Divisiontel. (39 6) 52255192fax (39 6) 52256347e-mail: [email protected]

The designations employed and the presentation of material in thispublication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever onthe part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UnitedNations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city orarea or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiersor boundaries.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in aretrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechani-cal, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner.Applications for such permission, with a statement of the purpose and extent of thereproduction, should be addressed to the Director, Publications Division, Food andAgriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla,00100 Rome, Italy.

© FAO 1997

D/W3338E/1/3.97/500

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