European List of Waste

This Commission Decision establishes the European Waste Catalogue (EWC), a harmonized classification system for waste across the EU. It provides a structured list of waste types, each assigned a six-digit code, grouped by source and material composition. The catalogue distinguishes between hazardous and non-hazardous waste, ensuring clarity for waste management, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection.

The EWC is a key tool for consistent reporting, treatment, and tracking of waste streams across Member States. It supports environmental authorities, waste operators, and businesses in applying uniform standards for waste identification and handling. By defining waste categories and codes, the catalogue facilitates data harmonization, environmental monitoring, and compliance with EU waste legislation.

The 2023 consolidated version updates waste codes to reflect new waste streams, aligns with the Waste Framework Directive and circular economy targets, and incorporates changes from sector-specific legislation such as electrical and electronic waste, batteries, and packaging. These updates ensure accurate classification for emerging technologies and hazardous substances, supporting safe and sustainable waste management.

Relevance to bio-waste and/or circular bioeconomy:

By clearly identifying biodegradable waste streams, such as food waste, garden waste, and animal by-products, the EWC supports proper sorting and treatment processes essential for circular practices like composting and anaerobic digestion. Accurate classification enables efficient recovery of nutrients and energy from bio-waste, reducing landfill disposal and promoting resource efficiency within the circular bioeconomy.

 EU (EEA relevance)

Full title: Consolidated text: Commission Decision of 3 May 2000 replacing Decision 94/3/EC establishing a list of wastes pursuant to Article 1(a) of Council Directive 75/442/EEC on waste and Council Decision 94/904/EC establishing a list of hazardous waste pursuant to Article 1(4) of Council Directive 91/689/EEC on hazardous waste (notified under document number C(2000) 1147) (Text with EEA relevance)

Publication date: 2000 (consolidated 2023)

Instrument type: Decision

Binding for EU MS: Yes

Keywords: European Waste Catalogue, waste classification, hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste, six-digit codes, standardized reporting, waste management, regulatory compliance, environmental monitoring, data harmonization