The Basel Convention plastic scrap and waste amendments dramatically change the way international shipments of plastic recyclables are controlled under the Convention. The new Basel provisions move most plastic scrap from one category – reserved for material that could generally be traded freely – to two new categories subject to Basel Convention requirements and one new category that are not subject to Basel Convention requirements. The first new category covers shipments of most non-hazardous plastic scrap and waste – this includes shipments that are contaminated (e.g., with food residue and/or other non-hazardous waste that could impede recycling), mixed with other scrap or waste, and shipments of most mixed plastic scrap. The second new category covers plastic waste classified as hazardous waste under the Basel Convention. Basel Party countries exporting plastic scrap and waste covered by either of these two new categories must obtain the importing country’s agreement in writing to accept such exports before allowing the shipments to depart the country, a procedure known as prior notice and consent. Additional Basel controls also apply. Exports of plastic scrap that meet a very narrow and strict set of criteria are not subject to Basel Convention controls; this third category of material is not subject to prior notice and consent and generally includes plastic scrap that is pre-sorted, clean, uncontaminated, and destined for recycling in an environmentally sound manner.