European Waste Catalogue

The 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 .

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: the first two digits specify the chapter, the next two specify the subchapter, and the last two are specific to the waste type. Hazardous Waste is signified by entries where the six-digit EWC code is marked by an asterisk (*).

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