A Study on Definition and Classification System of Wastes

폐기물의 개념 및 분류체계에 관한 연구

The objective of this study is to introduce the definitions and classification methods of wastes in international agreements and legislations, examine the concept of wastes and their classification systems in Korea, and finally analyze and compare the concept of wastes in different countries for finding better solutions and suggestions. The study summarizes the concept of wastes as introduced in the Basel Convention, OECD, EU, US, and UK. First, each of the member countries adapt to the same concepts of wastes as defined in their international agreements; second, the intention of the wastes holder and the conditions of the wastes are considered at the same time when defining the concepts. Upon close examination of the classification of wastes systems as introduced in the Basel Convention, OECD, EU, US, and UK, the wastes are classified into toxic and non-toxic wastes according to the existence of poisonous substances. Therefore, it is classified as a toxic waste when any toxic substance on its list is included in the waste, while others are considered as a non-toxic waste if they don't contain poisonous substances. Secondly, in the UK, the matter of toxic or non-toxic wastes are classified, not according to the existence of the poisonous substances, but based on the generation of sources. In Korea, the concepts of wastes are divided into the two categories - a concept as defined in actual legislations and a concept in its translation. The Korean classification of the wastes include Wastes Management Act, amended in 1995, which stipulates that toxic substances should be managed in a special way as the designated wastes. It appears that the Act utilizes the classification method that classifies the wastes according to the existence of poisonous substance. Korea's concepts of wastes should be changed after recognition of the concepts in international agreement (Basel Convention, EU) and other foreign laws(US, UK) that consider subjective and objective standards at the same time when they define the concepts. Also, the development of technology in recycling and reuse of the wastes can remove the current absolute notion of the wastes so that it also should not be passed over. Also, because a classification structure of wastes has a close relationship with a disposal structure, its classification system should be fixed gradually to come up with the development of wastes disposal technology and its policy.