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In 2023, over 100,000 tonnes of hazardous waste crossed the US–Canada border, headed north for treatment and disposal. From industrial solvents to medical waste, much of this material originated in US states with stricter disposal costs and found its final destination in Canadian facilities. The issue, which has persisted for decades, is now sparking renewed debate around environmental justice, transparency, and ESG accountability.
Toxic Waste and Cross-Border Realities
The United States exported over 400,000 tonnes of hazardous waste in 2022 alone, with more than half sent to Canada. Despite Canada’s advanced waste treatment infrastructure, questions remain: Why is Canada absorbing so much of this risk? And who bears the long-term environmental and social cost?
From an environmental justice lens, these shipments disproportionately affect marginalized communities living near waste-processing plants—often First Nations territories and rural Canadian towns with limited political influence. This dynamic echoes broader patterns seen in global waste trade, where wealthy nations offload ecological burdens onto less politically empowered regions.
ESG Blind Spots: Where Are the Gaps?
Most companies involved in these transactions comply with cross-border regulations under Canada’s Export and Import of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations. However, legal compliance does not equal ESG leadership.
Under the “S” in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), environmental justice is often overlooked. Many ESG reports mention greenhouse gas reductions or recycling rates but say little about where their waste ends up—or the communities impacted by it.
This is where comprehensive ESG training becomes essential.
The Role of ESG Training in Environmental Justice
The Certified Sustainability (ESG) Practitioner Program by CSE offers professionals the knowledge and tools to analyze environmental justice risks, ask the right questions, and influence corporate decisions.
Participants gain insight into:
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Supply chain transparency and how to audit waste disposal practices
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Stakeholder mapping to identify vulnerable communities
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Regulatory frameworks that govern transboundary waste
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Materiality assessments that factor in environmental justice impacts
“ESG isn’t just about emissions—it’s about accountability. If you’re not looking at where your waste goes and who it harms, you’re missing the point.”
— Nikos Avlonas, President, CSE
Real-World Applications: Shell, LNG, and Waste-by-Design
Recent reports show Shell’s plan to expand its LNG capacity by up to 12 million tonnes per year by 2030. While this may support energy transitions, it also introduces new risks around byproducts and toxic outputs. Without integrated ESG oversight, such expansion could lead to increased hazardous waste, potentially shipped across borders once again.
Professionals with ESG expertise can step in to design responsible waste strategies, ensure full lifecycle accountability, and push for supplier-level compliance.
The Canadian Dilemma: Capacity vs. Consent
Canada’s role as a recipient of toxic waste is complex. The country possesses the infrastructure, but not necessarily the public consent—especially from Indigenous communities near key facilities.
This discrepancy underscores a vital ESG principle: “Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.”
Effective ESG training equips professionals to:
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Recognize this ethical distinction
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Push for free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC)
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Align corporate practices with both legal standards and social license to operate
Conclusion: It’s Time for ESG Training to Catch Up
Environmental justice is no longer a fringe issue—it’s at the heart of sustainable development. As toxic waste shipments from the US to Canada continue, professionals must be prepared to ask tough questions, challenge assumptions, and drive change.
Investing in ESG training isn’t just about improving your resume. It’s about ensuring your organization can:
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Identify environmental injustices
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Respond with integrity
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Report with transparency
Ready to make a difference?
Join the upcoming Certified Sustainability (ESG) Practitioner Program – Canada Cohort and become part of a new generation of ESG professionals committed to justice, transparency, and true sustainability.
