This National Priorities document, the ninth to be published, focuses on an important subject that does not get the exposure it deserves – the issue of how chemicals and hazardous household waste are handled in Israel.
This subject is hardly discussed and managed at the national level and is rarely discussed in the media. Most attention to the subject arises from the activities of non-governmental organizations, which publish position papers on the subject, stress the need to educate the public on this issue, argue that it is imperative to encourage local government to take action, present the importance of promoting the legislation, as well as the focus on economic incentives as one of the solutions for the problem.
This document summarizes the knowledge and current global activities in developed countries and recommendations for implementation in Israel. The document reveals the environmental and health risks associated with the use and disposal of hazardous household chemicals and dangerous household waste.
The document provides recommendations for all sectors – households, local authorities and the government.
In addition, in May 2012, a workshop was held at the Samuel Neaman Institute with representatives from government agencies and NGOs. During the workshop, the participants discussed the problem presented in the document and provided insights and recommendations. The final document includes the document written by Dr. Mir as well as comments and recommendations provided during the workshop.
We hope that this document will be used by decision makers in formulating appropriate policy that significantly reduces the exposure to these hazardous materials.
