Toxco Waste Management fined $17,500 for importing hazardous recyclable material

ROSSLAND, B.C. - April 18, 2013 - Toxco Waste Management Ltd., of Trail, B.C., was ordered to pay $17,500 to the Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) in the Provincial Court of British Columbia after pleading guilty to importing waste lithium batteries exceeding the quantity set out in the import permit. This action contravened the Export and Import of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations (EIHWHRMR) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA, 1999).

Toxco Waste Management Ltd. operates a hazardous waste recycling facility in Trail, B.C., focusing on the recycling of batteries. In January 2011, Environment Canada was notified that Toxco had imported hazardous waste in excess of their permit allowance. The ensuing investigation and revealed that the quantity of imported waste lithium batteries was 68 percent over the quantity allowed in the permit (16,804 kg imported on a permit allowing for 10,000 kg), and was therefore a violation of the EIHWHRMR.

The EDF is administered by Environment Canada to provide a mechanism for directing funds received as a result of fines, court orders, and voluntary payments to priority projects that will benefit our natural environment.

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Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008