SWANA Attends International Plastic Pollution Treaty Negotiations

SWANA hosted a side event at the INC-4 in Ottawa to demonstrate the vital role of the solid waste and recycling sector in handling the global plastic pollution crisis.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has formed an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to negotiate an international treaty to prevent plastic pollution, addressing the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal. The INC held its fourth session (INC-4) in Ottawa, Canada from April 23–29, 2024. SWANA attended INC-4 to advocate for our industry’s role in solving this global issue.

Amy Lestition Burke, Executive Director & CEO of SWANA, served as an official observer of negotiations. SWANA President Art Mercer attended several of the side events, along with SWANA’s Deputy Executive Director and SWANA’s Director of Public Policy.

The INC negotiations bring together stakeholders from across the world to one city to discuss the topic of preventing plastic pollution, providing a unique opportunity to connect with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments entities, the private sector, industry organizations, research institutions, and environmental groups. This was a unique opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and make new connections.

Collaborating with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), SWANA co-organized a side event, “Breaking Barriers: Circular Waste and Resource Management Tackles Plastic Pollution,” featuring opening remarks, a short presentation, and two panel discussions. It included themes on the role of the solid waste and recycling sector, financing mechanisms, and circular business practices.

The presenters included high-level individuals from the Unite Nations (UN) as well as representatives from organizations and companies working to prevent plastic pollution and advance circularity. Over 150 individuals registered to attend.

ISWA President Carlos RV Silva Filho presented on the newly launched “Global Waste Management Outlook 2024,” a joint publication of ISWA and the UN Environment Programme. Lestition Burke spoke of the need to position the industry as part of the solution for collections, sorting, and connecting to end markets in order to prevent pollution and enhance recycling systems.

This side event and SWANA’s involvement advocated for recognizing the waste and resource management sector in the treaty negotiations. Several sections of the draft treaty relate to our industry, including:

• Waste management
• Extended Producer Responsibility
• Trade and transboundary movement of plastic waste
• Financing mechanisms for implementation
• Capacity-building, technical assistance, and technology transfer

There will be one more INC session, to be held in Busan, Korea in November 2024 when the treaty will be an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment finalized and signed. SWANA will continue to update members on treaty developments.