The OECD Experience of Setting Pollutant Release and Transfer Register to Facilitate Waste Management in Developing Countries

Abstract

Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) has been adopted in Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries since 1970s to help stimulate public participation, facilitate environmental regulation and promote industrial transformation, but have not been adequately established worldwide. In developing countries, environmental pollution is increasing rapidly and has reached severe levels as a result of economic development in the absence of effective environmental regulation and adequate public pressure. During the current exploratory period for establishing a PRTR, developing countries needs support and knowledge when it concerns PRTR schemes and the mechanisms of improving business behavior. Based on literature review and expert interviews, this paper gives a detailed introduction on the PRTR mechanism and concludes common and differentiated experience of PRTR in representative OECD countries, in order to form an overall reference of the OECD experience and provide specified enlightenments to facilitate the waste management in developing countries.