BEIJING, Nov 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Mexico is a "net importer of toxic and hazardous waste from the United States," the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) claimed on Wednesday.

    In its second Assessment of the Environmental Development of Mexico, following the first in 1998, the OECD pointed out that the "volume of toxic waste rose from 159,000 tons in 1995 to 276,000 tons in 2000."

    Mexico receives containers of toxic waste and lead batteries to be recycled, said the OECD, an organization comprised of countries with the highest development levels.

    The OECD recommended that Mexico abide by the universal principle of "the one to pollute is the one to pay", put a new tariff on the consumption of potable water, and charge for garbage collection.

    Among the 61 recommendations to Mexico, the OECD proposed charges for the reception of hazardous material, for the release of toxic elements into the atmosphere, and for the pollution of water and environmental services.

    The report was presented at the Presidential Residence of Los Pinos in Mexico City, by OECD Secretary-General Donald Johnston, who recognized the advances of Mexico in environmental legislation. Enditem