The generation of industrial waste has the potential to produce grave environmental and public health risks. Thus, it is essential to manage wastes effectively. The regulation of waste management is based primarily on the precautionary, prevention and polluter pays principles embedded in international environmental law. Waste management regulations are most appropriately administered through a sector-by-sector approach, encompassing all sectors related to the environment in aggregate. It is particularly important for businesses to initiate necessary measures for the optimum management of wastes as they tend to be prolific polluters. Magistrates need to be adequately informed about environmental laws, regulations and international jurisprudence so they can be applied in a timely manner to prevent industrial wastes from creating risks for both humans and the environment.

The Seminar on Industrial Waste Management was conducted from the 29th to 31st October, 2003. Sixteen French-speaking magistrates (judges and representatives of the public ministry) from Belgium, France, Italy, and Switzerland, participated in the Seminar.

Objectives
 Outline the environmental risks associated with industrial wastes.
 Identify the legal challenges encountered by waste management professionals.

Outcomes
 Improved understanding of the problems associated with industrial waste management.
 Identification of the legal means available for the effective implementation of associated environmental law.

Partners
 Swiss Federal Office for the Environment FOEN
 Ecole National de la Magistrature
 VEOLIA Environment