Three countries working together to protect our shared environment

International collaboration between Canada, Mexico and the United States on environmental issues of common interest

In the Spotlight

Join the Monarch Blitz’s 10th Anniversary: Every Observation Matters

Tiohtià:ke (Montreal), 23 July 2026—The International Monarch Monitoring Blitz is just around the corner! From 31 July to 9 August 2026, we invite everyone across North America to head outside and search for monarch butterflies and milkweed plants.

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Featured Project

Tracking Pollutant Releases and Transfers in North America

Initiative Active Pollutants

The CEC's North American Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (NAPRTR) Initiative promotes public access to data and information reported by industrial facilities in North America, in order to improve understanding of the sources and management of pollutants of common concern across the region and support decision-making relative to pollution prevention...

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Nuclear power plant - AirNow

Featured Publication

Milestone Study on Plastics Waste Management in the US and Canada — Full Report

December 17, 2024 294 pages Sustainable Living and Economies

This study examines the plastic waste value chain in Canada and the United States for thermoplastic resins or commodities—the materials most involved in the manufacture, distribution and commercialization of plastic products in the country. The publication includes an overview of related infrastructure, operational management and associated markets and documents the current state of recovery and recycling practices. It also outlines existing public policies and regulations within a circular economy (CE) framework.

The publication describes good practices and provides recommendations to strengthen Canada’s and the United States’ waste management system. In addition, best practices in waste management that can be implemented based on the findings of this study are identified, with the goal of providing information for decision-makers.

This publication is part of the project: Transforming Recycling and Solid Waste Management in North America. The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) commissioned a series of milestone studies on the recycling and management of paper and cardboard, plastics and bioplastics waste for Canada and the United States, and for Mexico. A pilot study on composting poly-coated fiber food packaging for Canada and the United States complements this series. Together, these publications aim to accelerate the adoption of CE practices and promote strategies for the sustainable management of these materials, generating economic and environmental benefits across the region.

The complete report is available in English only, but you can consult the executive summary in English, Spanish, and French.

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Plastics

What We Do

We conduct research, provide tools and training, and provide a unique space for decision-makers and the public to engage on environmental policy issues affecting the North American region.

About the CEC