Environmental green-collar crime: a focus on illegal transfer of hazardous waste

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine environmental greencollar crime with a specific focus on the illegal transfer of hazardous waste, highlighting its legal, regulatory, and transnational implications. At present, there is a serious environmental green-collar crime on the rise related to the illegal transfer of hazardous waste in developing or poorer countries, and these affected nations are not able to stop this crime for various reasons, including socio-economic, political and lax regulatory frameworks. This study shows limited research on this area, and international legal frameworks such as the Basel Convention have less effect on curbing this crime in developing states. Given the extensive effects of illegal waste transfers on ecosystems, the global health system and the integrity of international governance, it is necessary to address this problem immediately. Design/methodology/approach Using a doctrinal methodology, this paper analyses the regulatory framework of the affected countries related to hazardous waste transfer and also focuses on selected case studies in the area. Based on the qualitative analysis, selected case studies are evaluated based on key metrics such as the efficacy of international conventions, socio-economic factors and effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms. This study also discusses the lax regulations of most affected countries and how developed countries are directly or indirectly involved with hazardous waste dumping to those nations. Findings The findings of this study show that the Basel Convention is not strongly enforced in the signatory countries, and due to weak governance, lax regulations and corruption, the poorer countries are mostly contributing to environmental green-collar crime. Moreover, this study identifies particular socio-economic reasons such as lack of alternative waste management infrastructure, corruption, and poverty are escalating the environmental green-collar crime. This paper considers three successful models for tackling the waste management problem: the zero-waste initiatives in San Francisco, the decentralised waste management model in Curitiba, and the circular economy approach in Amsterdam. Originality/value Based on these models, this paper recommends specific measures such as developing local waste management solutions, equal application of international conventions across nations, and enforcing strict reporting obligations in the most affected nations. This study contributes to academia by addressing the intricate connection between socio-economic factors and regulatory frameworks related to environmental green-collar crime, and by offering practical recommendations that can enhance waste management practices around the world.