The Basel Convention’s OEWG-15 serves as an interim step between two BRS Conferences of the Parties (COPs), which are held every two years. It contributes to the development and implementation of the Convention’s work program, specific operational policies, and decisions adopted by the Conference of the Parties.

Adopted in 1989, the Basel Convention is now recognized as the leading international convention on hazardous waste. It also defines the principle of environmentally sound management (ESM) of all waste in order to protect human health and the environment (Article 2(8)), an obligation binding on the Parties (Article 4(2)).

Key Topics of Discussion

The FSWP was able to attend the Parties’ discussions both in plenary sessions and during the contact group on technical matters. Delegates broadly agreed that, although recent amendments to the Basel Convention—particularly the 2019 amendments on plastics—have expanded its scope, their implementation continues to face practical challenges, particularly regarding the operation of the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure applicable to transboundary movements of waste.

The Parties examined various options aimed at improving the effectiveness and consistency of the PIC system, including by simplifying administrative procedures, improving electronic notification tools, and reducing the time required to obtain consent, while maintaining a high level of environmental protection. These discussions were closely linked to the implementation of the amendments concerning plastic and e-waste (the latter’s amendments were adopted in 2022 and entered into force in 2025).

The issue of used textiles and textile waste occupied an important part of the discussions, focusing in particular on improving definitions to distinguish between used or textile waste, as well as on challenges related to the classification of this waste stream. Many Parties expressed concern about the PIC procedure requirement for this waste stream, viewing it as a potential unnecessary additional administrative burden, and with potential negative socioeconomic impacts. Discussions also covered persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and used tires.

FSWP participation

During OEWG-15, the FSWP continued to build momentum around the Global Push initiative, which aims to foster cooperation among all stakeholders involved in the sustainable management of resources and waste . This initiative aims to encourage a cross-cutting and cross-sectoral approach to the transition toward a circular economy, reconciling pollution reduction, the shift away from fossil fuels, the decoupling of economic growth from resource extraction, and the preservation of biodiversity.

The FSWP was invited to present the Global Push initiative and the case study of Grenoble Alpes Métropole during the side event “Advancing Zero Waste Approaches: Policy, Enabling Factors, and Good Practices for Waste Prevention and Circularity,” held on June 25. Discussions focused on the actions needed to move towards “zero waste”: offering citizens alternatives to reduce waste generation, extending the lifespan of objects, and ensuring the environmentally sound management of generated waste.

This presentation served as a reminder of the need to move beyond siloed approaches and to mobilize all stakeholders around a common goal in order to accelerate the transition to a more circular economy.