Business ethics and the international trade in hazardous wastes

The annual production of hazardous wastes which was less than 10 million metric tonnes in the 1940s is now in excess of 320 million metric tonnes. These wastes are, in the main, by-products of industrial processes that have contributed significantly to the economic development of many countries which, in turn, has led to lifestyles that also generate hazardous wastes. The phenomenal increase in the generation of hazardous wastes coupled with various barriers to local disposal has led to the thriving international trade in these environmentally hazardous substances. This paper examines the nature of the international trade in hazardous wastes and the ethical issues associated with such business activity. Jang B. Singh, B. A. (Toronto), M.A. (St. Thomas), M.A. (Toronto), M.B.A. (Windsor), Ph.D. (Toronto), is Associate Professor of Business Administration at the University of Windsor. His research focus is on ethical issues involved in the management process. He also maintains a keen interest in issues related to business activity in the Third World. V. Chris Lakhan, M.A. (Windsor), Ph.D. (Toronto), F.R.G.S. is an Associate Professor affiliated with the Department of Geography and the Institute for International and Developmental Studies at the University of Windsor. He specializes in computer modeling, and theoretical and applied research on remote sensing, environmental impacts, and natural resources utilization.