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 [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: 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 (*)[1].
EWC Chapters
| Code | Classification | Short Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Waste Resulting From Exploration, Mining, Dressing And Further Treatment Of Minerals And Quarrying | Mining And Minerals |
| 02 | Waste From Agricultural, Horticultural, Hunting, Fishing And Primary Production, Food Preparation And Processing | Agricultural And Food Production |
| 03 | Wastes From Wood Processing And The Production Of Paper, Cardboard, Pulp, Panels And Furniture | Wood And Paper Production |
| 04 | Wastes From The Leather 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 | Inorganic Wastes From Thermal Processes | Thermal Process Waste (Inorganic) |
| 11 | Inorganic Waste With Metals From Metal Treatment And The Coating Of Metals; Non-Ferrous Hydro-Metallurgy | Metal Treatment And Coating Processes |
| 12 | Wastes From Shaping And Surface Treatment Of Metals And Plastics | Shaping/Treatment Of Metals And Plastics |
| 13 | Oil Wastes (Except Edible Oils, 05 00 00 And 12 00 00) | Oil And Oil/Water Mixtures |
| 14 | Wastes From Organic Substances Employed As Solvents (Except 07 00 00 And 08 00 00) | Solvents |
| 15 | Packaging; Absorbents, Wiping Cloths, Filter Materials And Protective Clothing Not Otherwise Specified | Packaging, Cloths, Filter Materials |
| 16 | Waste Not Otherwise Specified In The Catalogue | Not Otherwise Specified |
| 17 | Construction And Demolition Waste (Including Road Construction) | C&D Waste And Asbestos |
| 18 | Wastes From Human Or Animal Health Care And/Or Related Research (Excluding Kitchen And Restaurant Wastes Which Do Not Arise From Immediate Health Care) | Healthcare |
| 19 | Waste From Waste Treatment Facilities, Off Site Waste Water Treatment Plants And The Water Industry | Waste/Water Treatment And Water Industry |
| 20 | Municipal Wastes And Similar Commercial 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.