In 1985, a young man named Brad Wylynko proposed a new project to the Environmental Resource Centre in response to the growing awareness that not all toxic chemical pollution is caused by industry.

The average North American household contains 25 kilograms/55 pounds of chemical products which, if released into the environment by a regulated company, would be considered hazardous waste. But households are not regulated and these substances are contained within familiar household products: paints, cosmetics, home, hobby and garden supplies, automotive supplies, batteries, and are all too often mixed with the household garbage. In another example of cumulative incrementalism, the relatively harmless actions of one person, multiplied by a thousands of people, creates unacceptable impacts to ground and surface water supplies.

Brad's proposal was to convene the first Toxic Round-up in Canada, a three day event where citizens could bring their household hazardous wastes for proper collection and disposal. The event was successfully completed in partnership with the City of Edmonton and the Alberta Special Waste Management Corporation, and repeated annually until Edmonton created a permanent depot system 8 years later.

The Toxics Watch Society has continued to work collaboratively and in partnership with other stakeholders on an ever expanding range of environmental issues. Key focus areas include waste management and recycling, air quality, energy development, environmental assessment practices, urban sustainability, climate change, and protecting the spoonhead sculpin from extirpation.

Work in the key focus area waste management and recycling includes serving on delegated administrative organizations responsible for recycling programs for waste streams including beverage containers, scrap tires, electronic waste, and household hazardous wastes. (For example http://www.axiomnews.ca/2005/February/Feb10.php)

According to the bylaws, the formal "Objects of the Society" are these;
a. to promote enviornmental health in Alberta through public awareness for the safe control of toxic chemicals
b. to conduct and review research on toxic chemical issues
c. to promote strategies to avoid or reduce toxic chemical waste
d. to facilitate public education and participation on issues relating to toxic chemical control

Informally, as reported in the 2001-2002 annual report, "the goal of the Toxics Watch Society is to help human society achieve sustainability through the reformation of human structures, institutions, behaviours, and activities so that they all operate with the Earth's natural carrying capacity."

1. Short History of the Toxics Watch Society

Toxics Watch was founded in 1986 as "a needed and timely response to the growing use of toxic chemicals in our province."

Toxics Watch’s first project was to sponsor and co-ordinate the first Toxic Round Up in the City of Edmonton. Subsequently, the City took over the program, and Toxics Watch played an active role in the annual event until 1994, when the first Eco Station was opened and the Round Up discontinued.

Toxics Watch took a lead opposition role in the NRCB hearings looking into the expansion of the Swan Hills hazardous waste facility, and the subsequent decision to allow the importation of hazardous wastes from out of province.

In recent years, Toxics Watch’s attention has swung towards Alberta’s energy industry, especially oil sands development in the Wood Buffalo region, and coal-fired electricity generation near Lake Wabumun.

2. Toxics Watch works in a variety of issue areas, including:

Energy
Oil Sands development
Electricty generation
Greenhouse gases

Toxics & waste
Hazardous waste
Toxic substances
Contaminated sites

Urban issues
Vehicle emissions
Cosmetic pesticide use

Eco-efficient development
Industrial ecology
Pollution prevention
Corporate environmental responsibility

3. Toxics Watch approaches the issues using a variety of tactics.

Advocacy & Consultation
Toxics Watch actively participates in municipal, provincial, national, and international consultations to review existing and develop new public policy on pollution issues. Multi-stakeholder processes, such as the Clean Air Strategic Allaince (CASA), allow government, industry, and ENGOs to collaborate and achieve consensus-based solutions. Toxics Watch also consults with industry, advocating for more eco-efficient development through industrial ecology, pollution prevention, and continous improvement; and for better corporate environmental responsibility.

Intervention
From the Swan Hills NRCB hearings to numerous EUB hearings into new oil sands facilities has been an intervenor in quasi-judicial processes overseeing industrial development in Alberta. In conjunction with other environmental groups, Toxics Watch has also sought to improve environmental protection through the court system.

Community Projects
From its formation in 1986, Toxics Watch has developed and delivered community projects such as the Toxic Round Up, composter distribution, and a public advisory service.