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 | 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.