European Waste Catalogue
The European Waste Catalogue (EWC) is a list of waste types, established by the European Commission Decision 2000/532/EC1, which categorises wastes based on a combination of what they are, and the process or activity that produces them. It provides a standard framework for the comparison of waste data (statistics) across all member states. The EWC is used in several reports including quarterly/annual waste data returns to SEPA, the EA and NIEA waste transfer notes and Hazardous Waste consignment notes [1].
The EWC is divided into 20 chapters, most of which are industry-based, although some are based on materials and processes. Individual waste types are assigned a six-digit code so as an example:
- 10 02 13*
- the first two digits specify the chapter (i.e. 10 waste from thermal processes)
- the next two specify the subchapter (i.e 02 wastes from the iron and steel industry) and
- the last two are specific to the waste type (i.e.13 sludges and filter cakes from gas treatment containing hazardous substances) and finally
- Hazardous Waste is signified by entries where the six-digit EWC code is marked by an asterisk (*)[1] on the last two digits.
STAT codes and SOC codes are used for reporting consolidated EWC codes, grouping similar codes from different origins/processing activity into a single category such as Chemical Waste or Industrial Effluents and Sludges.
The following table lists the headline chapters, each chapter then has a page which further details the subchapter and waste type relevant to the chapter.
EWC Chapters
Code | Classification | Short Classification |
---|---|---|
01 | Wastes Resulting From Exploration, Mining, Quarrying, And Physical And Chemical Treatment Of Minerals | Mining And Minerals |
02 | Wastes From Agriculture, Horticulture, Aquaculture, Forestry, Hunting And Fishing, Food Preparation And Processing | Agricultural And Food Production |
03 | Wastes From Wood Processing And The Production Of Panels And Furniture, Pulp, Paper And Cardboard | Wood And Paper Production |
04 | Wastes From The Leather, Fur And Textile Industry | Leather And Textile Production |
05 | Wastes From Petroleum Refining, Natural Gas Purification And Pyrolytic Treatment Of Coal | Petrol, Gas And Coal Refining/Treatment |
06 | Wastes From Inorganic Chemical Processes | Inorganic Chemical Processes |
07 | Wastes From Organic Chemical Processes | Organic Chemical Processes |
08 | Wastes From The Manufacture, Formulation, Supply And Use (MFSU) Of Coatings (Paints, Varnishes And Vitreous Enamels), Adhesive, Sealants And Printing Inks | MFSU Paints, Varnish, Adhesive And Inks |
09 | Wastes From The Photographic Industry | Photographic Industry |
10 | Wastes From Thermal Processes | Thermal Process Waste (Inorganic) |
11 | Wastes From Chemical Surface Treatment And Coating Of Metals And Other Materials; Non-Ferrous Hydro-Metallurgy | Metal Treatment And Coating Processes |
12 | Wastes From Shaping And Physical And Mechanical Surface Treatment Of Metals And Plastics | Shaping/Treatment Of Metals And Plastics |
13 | Oil Wastes And Wastes Of Liquid Fuels (except edible oils, and those in chapters 05, 12 and 19) | Oil And Oil/Water Mixtures |
14 | Waste Organic Solvents, Refrigerants And Propellants (except 07 and 08) | Solvents |
15 | Waste Packaging, Absorbents, Wiping Cloths, Filter Materials And Protective Clothing Not Otherwise Specified | Packaging, Cloths, Filter Materials |
16 | Waste Not Otherwise Specified In The List | Not Otherwise Specified |
17 | Construction And Demolition Wastes (Including Excavated Soil From Contaminated Sites) | C&D Waste And Asbestos |
18 | Wastes From Human Or Animal Health Care And/Or Related Research (except kitchen and restaurant wastes not arising from immediate health care) | Healthcare |
19 | Wastes From Waste Management Facilities, Off-Site Waste Water Treatment Plants And The Preparation Of Water Intended For Human Consumption And Water For Industrial Use | Waste/Water Treatment And Water Industry |
20 | Municipal Wastes (Household Waste And Similar Commercial, Industrial And Institutional Wastes) Including Separately Collected Fractions | Municipal And Similar Commercial Wastes |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) (2015). Guidance on using the European Waste Catalogue (EWC) to code waste.