EWC code glossary
The European Waste Catalogue (the List of Waste) classifies every waste stream with a six-digit EWC code, organised into 20 chapters by the industry or process that produced the waste. Asterisked entries are hazardous; some wastes are “mirror entries” that can be either, depending on what they contain.
Looking for a specific material? Search the EWC code finder.
Chapter 01
Wastes resulting from exploration, mining, quarrying, and physical and chemical treatment of minerals
24 entries
Chapter 02
Wastes from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting and fishing, food preparation and processing
38 entries
Chapter 03
Wastes from wood processing and the production of panels and furniture, pulp, paper and cardboard
19 entries
Chapter 04
Wastes from the leather, fur and textile industries
21 entries
Chapter 05
Wastes from petroleum refining, natural gas purification and pyrolytic treatment of coal
24 entries
Chapter 06
Wastes from inorganic chemical processes
48 entries
Chapter 07
Wastes from organic chemical processes
78 entries
Chapter 08
Wastes from the manufacture, formulation, supply and use (mfsu) of coatings (paints, varnishes and vitreous enamels), adhesives, sealants and printing inks
38 entries
Chapter 09
Wastes from the photographic industry
13 entries
Chapter 10
Wastes from thermal processes
173 entries
Chapter 11
Wastes from chemical surface treatment and coating of metals and other materials; non-ferrous hydro-metallurgy
27 entries
Chapter 12
Wastes from shaping and physical and mechanical surface treatment of metals and plastics
23 entries
Chapter 13
Oil wastes and wastes of liquid fuels (except edible oils, and those in chapters 05, 12 and 19)
34 entries
Chapter 14
Waste organic solvents, refrigerants and propellants (except 07 and 08)
5 entries
Chapter 15
Waste packaging, absorbents, wiping cloths, filter materials and protective clothing not otherwise specified
12 entries
Chapter 16
Wastes not otherwise specified in the list
72 entries
Chapter 17
Construction and demolition wastes (including excavated soil from contaminated sites)
38 entries
Chapter 18
Wastes from human or animal health care and/or related research (except kitchen and restaurant wastes not arising from immediate health care)
16 entries
Chapter 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
99 entries
Chapter 20
Municipal wastes (household waste and similar commercial, industrial and institutional wastes) including separately collected fractions
40 entries