Toxic Waste in developed countries 1.1

Over the past several decades there has been the issue of what to do with a nation's toxic waste, no matter how it is generated.  The Basel Ban was established as an extension to the Basel Agreement.  It came into being because of the huge issue of this waste being taken to "developing" (new word for 3rd world) countries for illegal disposal.  Keep in mind the focus of this international issue was not the proper disposal of toxic waste, but the illegal disposal of it in developing countries (DC).

It is strongly believed that no matter what the circumstance, it is wrong for any country (primarily economically advanced) to dispose of waste in a DC.  There are some good justifications of this stance, and some bad ones.  One of the ideas is that if a developed country is allowed to move its waste to a DC then there will be no reason for them to change their production methods and resulting waste streams (reduction).  Good idea.  Another idea, almost a truism in the minds of most, is that any waste that is taken to a DC will be illegally disposed.

But the behind the scene presumption of this idea is that the DC is not capable of establishing a proper waste disposal facility, and that the waste will end up in a critically sensitive environment within the DC for a number of reasons.

The illegal dumping of wastes has been on sites that are within population centers, or in critical environments (rivers, wetlands, within groundwater recharge zones, etc).  These are typically logistically easier to get to for the trucks doing the dumping.  The average corrupt national/local politician turns a blind eye, or facilitates with a call to the security office not to patrol a certain area.

Fact of the matter is that there are some really good locations within some of these DC for establishing efficient disposal facilities.  What would make for a good location?  This is something the average reader should easily be able to identify that include things such as location or weather.  Location speaks to geology, endangered species, human contact, etc.

For argument sake let us assume that a perfect location exists that is remote, no groundwater, arid, and generally hostile.  The next issue is the facility.

A properly designed treatment and disposal facility can be built in this ideal location, that would meet all the requirements of being protective of humans and the environment.  The end product of the treatment process could then be placed into a proper landland fill within the disposal facility.  The cost factor would be significantly less at this facility than one in say Denmark.

The Basel Convention (BC) was birthed as a means to establish some control over the practice of toxic waste disposal.  It was not uncommon for the bad actors of the world to dump toxic wastes in these DC at a very low cost.  The DC that accepted this waste was hard pressed for currency, or legally or illegally.  The people of the world responded well to the acts being committed by the few, but who's actions were impacting a lot of people.  The BC requires a notification of transport of these wastes to various parties who can be impacted by a release of these materials (intentional or un-intentional).  This makes the people who transport them more likely to think twice about documenting their illegal activity.


   

Considerations In Negotiations

International business requires that the negotiator be in tuned with the client's personality, which includes cultural norms.   In many places, including the USA, the client may request a 'taste' of the deal that is being negotiated.  The USA, and most of the EU, client knows that this is not acceptable and in many cases illegal, but it happens every day, and many businesses hungry for the sale turn a blind eye.  Other countries the culture is more accommodating and accepting of this practice.

The use of bribes to expedite a contract signing, or getting the necessary permits is considered by many in the international community as the way to get things done.  When dealing with governments this is a very dangerous road that can put the participants in jail and the business on a black list. There are many schemes that are drafted up to make the bitter taste of the bride palatable for the giver, and giving the receiver a sense of legitimacy.   The lesser known localities typically have less sophisticated practitioners of the pinch and will openly have their hands out.  The more advanced countries use key words, and have places to funnel the money that sound legitimate to all involved.

A USA firm going to Africa to set up shop will have to deal with the hands in the pocket at every turn, especially if the first hand is filled.  Once you start down the path it will quickly turn into a highway of traffic heading one way out.  Once the term "Brother" is used be prepared for the hand coming out. Also the use of the "you don't understand this country" is another sign that the game is at hand.

How to avoid this trap?  Do not start down the dark path in the first place.  Show how your good/service can benefit the user (financially) without the complications of the taste.  This takes a tactful negotiator that understands the culture, who has done his/her homework, and has the patience to deal with the 'stall' tactic that will be used.