Inert Waste
The definition of inert waste is found in the Landfill Directive 1993/33/EC which states that:
"inert waste" means waste that does not undergo any significant physical, chemical or biological transformations. Inert waste will not dissolve, burn or otherwise physically or chemically react, biodegrade or adversely affect other matter with which it comes into contact in a way likely to give rise to environmental pollution or harm human health. The total leachability and pollutant content of the waste and the ecotoxicity of the leachate must be insignificant and in particular not endanger the quality of surface water and/or groundwater.
There are only 11 EWC codes that may qualify as inert waste they are:
| EWC Code | Description | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| 10 11 03 | Waste glass-based fibrous material | Only without organic binders |
| 15 01 07 | Glass packaging | - |
| 17 01 01 | Concrete | Selected C&D Waste only[1] |
| 17 01 02 | Bricks | Selected C&D Waste only[1] |
| 17 01 03 | Tiles and ceramics | Selected C&D Waste only[1] |
| 17 01 07 | Mixtures of concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramics | Selected C&D Waste only[1] |
| 17 02 02 | Glass | - |
| 17 05 04 | Soil and stones | Excluding top soil, peat; excluding soil and stones from contaminated sites. |
| 19 12 05 | Glass | - |
| 20 01 02 | Glass | Separately collected glass only |
| 20 02 02 | Soil and stones | Only from garden and park waste; excluding top soil, peat. |
The Landfill Tax (Qualifying Material) Order 20111 details those materials that qualify for the lower rate of Landfill Tax and the caveats that apply.
The majority of waste streams listed in the table above do appear on the Schedule within Article 2 of the aforementioned Regulations although an assessment of the Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) lab test results, the 11 relevant inert EWC codes and the Landfill Tax (Qualifying Material) Order 2011 is recommended.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Selected construction and demolition waste (C&D waste): with low contents of other types of materials (like metals, plastic, soil, organics, wood rubber etc). The origin of the waste must be known.
- No C&D Waste from constructions polluted with inorganic or dangerous substances e.g. because of production processes in the construction, soil pollution, storage and usage of pesticides or other dangerous substances etc, unless it is made clear that the demolished construction was not significantly polluted.
- No C&D waste from constructions, treated, covered or painted with materials containing dangerous substances in significant amounts.