EWC Waste Codes Explained

EWC (European Waste Catalogue) codes are an internationally standardised way of describing waste. This means that, however and wherever waste is produced, and wherever it goes, those involved in its handling, treatment and disposal process know what type of waste it is. This means the proper procedures can be used.

The EWC codes also make for a simple and consistent way of recording and measuring waste production and disposal, as required by national and international laws. So, the EWC waste codes are used on standardised waste data returns, transfer notes and consignment notes for hazardous or specialist waste products. Proper documentation of waste and providing an accurate description of it is part of the Waste Duty of Care that is a legal obligation for anyone who imports, produces, carries, stores, treats or disposes of controlled waste. The EWC codes provide a simple and effective way of doing this.

What is an EWC Code?

An EWC code categorises waste based on what type of waste it is and the process or activity that produces it.

The list of waste codes is divided into 20 chapters, each of which is dedicated to waste from a particular industry or activity. Within each chapter are further sub-chapters grouped by a broad type of waste, and within each sub-chapter are individual entries for specific forms of waste. The EWC waste codes also have a way of identifying hazardous waste.

There are 20 Chapters, 111 Sub-Chapters and over 600 specific waste codes.

Each EWC code consists of six digits, in three pairs:

1. The first pair is the EWC Chapter.
2. The second pair is the EWC Sub-Chapter.
3. The third pair defines the individual entry for a specific type of waste.

An asterisk after the third pair is used to clearly and easily identify hazardous waste. There is nothing in this position for non-hazardous waste.

How EWC Codes Work

A typical EWC Code could be:

03 01 05

• Chapter ‘03’ is ‘Wastes From Wood Processing And The Production Of Panels And Furniture, Pulp, Paper And Cardboard’.
• Sub-Chapter ‘01’ groups waste that is actual wood offcuts, shavings and sawdust rather than other industry-related forms of waste such as wood preservatives or pulp.
• Entry ‘05’ is for ‘Sawdust, Shavings, Cuttings, Wood, Particle Board And Veneer’ that don’t contain hazardous substances.

The full official EWC Codes list can be found online in the Waste Classification Technical Guidance document.

Experienced operators, or those in particular sectors, will quickly become familiar with the EWC codes that apply to their activity, so one look at this code will reveal that the waste it is describing is from the wood product industry and contains non-hazardous wood waste products.

These codes also allow any form of waste to be accurately and consistently described, so it is easy to ensure that waste goes through the proper processes – and processes can easily be defined by the types of waste they are suitable for. The EWC codes cut across language barriers and subjective definitions so that everyone in the waste sector can be compliant with the necessary regulations.

When combined with other systems, such as the codes for identifying Hazardous Waste and the hazard pictograms, it’s possible to fully, accurately and clearly describe, classify and record all types of waste to ensure the safety of those involved with handling or disposing of it, and the environment.

Specialist Waste Solutions with Novus Environmental

If you’ve found this explanation of EWC Codes useful, explore the services that Novus Environmental can offer. We bring a proactive and customer-focussed approach to specialist waste management, in sectors from Agriculture to Airports and from Manufacturing to Veterinary. Contact us or fill out our online enquiry form to find out more.