Issue
Mercury waste is generated from different sources as mercury is used in several types of products and processes, and is also contained in minerals such as coal. The phase-out of mercury in products and processes along with strict controls on mercury emissions and releases in response to the Minamata Convention is concerned about the increase of mercury wastes generation that require environmentally sound management (ESM).
According to Minamata Initial Assessment reports, many developing countries recognize that the management of mercury waste is one of the most prominent challenges to be prioritized for action. Considering that waste management covers many phases (source separation, collection, transportation, storage and disposal) and that each country has different technological and socio-economic circumstances and conditions, cooperation and collaboration with various stakeholders is an integral element to ensure the ESM of mercury wastes.
Objective
The objective of the Partnership Area is to promote the environmentally sound management of mercury wastes by developing and disseminating relevant materials, enhancing capacities and awareness and providing specific solutions at the global, regional, national, and local levels.
Strategy
The Partnership Area has identified the following priority actions to meet its objective:
- Identify and disseminate measures to prevent the generation of and promote environmentally sound source separation, storage, collection, transportation, treatment and disposal techniques and practices for different kinds of mercury wastes, taking into account the variety of technological and socio-economic circumstances in different countries;
- Build capacities and improve awareness for the environmentally sound management of mercury wastes on the ground in collaboration with other Partnership areas and organizations at the global, regional, national, and local levels;
- Identify specific challenges in mercury wastes management for different sectors and stakeholders and provide corresponding supports and/or solutions to address them;
- Support the implementation of national projects for the environmentally sound management of mercury wastes and share the experiences and lessons learned to promote mutual learning; and
- Other activities upon the request of international programmes and organizations, as appropriate.
Contribution to the implementation of the Minamata Convention
Article 11, paragraph 5 of the Minamata Convention encourages Parties to cooperate with relevant intergovernmental organizations and other entities to develop and maintain global, regional and national capacity for the management of mercury wastes in an environmentally sound manner.
As identified in priority actions, capacity-building is one of the core activities that the Partnership area has been undertaking where Parties (and non-Parties) to the Minamata Convention can leverage in enhancing the capacity at different levels. The Partnership area can contribute to capacity-building by identifying specific challenges on the ground and providing corresponding supports and/or solutions using the best available tools, knowledge and experiences.
Activity Plan / Business Plan
The Waste Management Partnership Area (WMA) has developed its Activity Plan to guide implementation of its activities. The latest Business Plan, which sets out the activities of the WMA, is available here.
Featured activities
Catalogue of Technologies and Services on Mercury Waste Management
This Catalogue prepared by the WMA provides information on mercury waste treatment technologies, equipment and services offered by partners, and helps users identify relevant solution providers based on their needs and circumstances. More information is available here.
Factsheets on specific waste streams
WMA has developed a series of technical factsheets to support the environmentally sound management of mercury wastes. These factsheets are intended to assist countries and practitioners facing challenges in managing specific mercury waste streams and related waste-management stages. More information available here.
Consultation desk
WMA has established an online consultation desk to support stakeholders facing challenges in the environmentally sound management of mercury waste. Through this service, stakeholders can request technical advice and be connected with relevant WMA partners, including governments, industry, and experts. The consultation desk operates on a voluntary basis and does not provide financial support but facilitates knowledge sharing, matchmaking, and potential collaboration opportunities. More information is available here.
Recent activities
Mercury Waste Management Partnership Area - Annual meeting March 2026
Webinar : New Entries to the "Catalogue of Technologies and Services on Mercury Waste Management"
Advancing Mercury Waste Management: Solutions and Actions - Minamata COP6 side event
Partnership Area on Mercury Waste Management – March 2025 meeting
Partnership Area Leads
- Misuzu Asari – Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Japan
- Ministry of the Environment, Japan
Secretariat
Kishor Parajuli, EX Research Institute Ltd. (EXRI)
EX Research Institute Ltd. (EXRI) serves as the Secretariat of the WMA, supporting the Partnership Area Leads in coordinating activities, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and managing the Consultation Desk. Please contact us at wastemanagement@exri.co.jp for further information.
