February 2013: The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has released an update on its activities relating to sustainable materials and waste management. The 6-page update outlines past and ongoing activities on: sustainable materials management (SMM); environmentally sound management of waste; transboundary movements of waste; waste prevention and minimization; and radioactive waste management.

On SMM, the OECD notes it is currently following up conclusions and recommendations of the 2012 Global Forum on Environment Focusing on SMM. It says it is developing case studies and analyzing economic policy instruments to support SMM.

On the transboundary movements of wastes, the OECD is currently working to harmonize the OECD transboundary waste control system with the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, as requested by OECD member countries.

On the issue of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the OECD is currently updating its 2001 Guidance Manual for Governments on EPR. Work on this is expected to be completed in 2014 and will include case studies from OECD and partner countries.

On waste containing nanomaterials, the OECD is focusing on coordinating research efforts and sharing information on the issue in order to facilitate governments’ decision making. [OECD Sustainable Materials and Waste Management Update] [OECD Sustainable Materials Management] [OECD Resource Productivity and Waste]