DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION JUNE 2014
DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION – JUNE 2014
EPA Viewpoint on the use of EWC code 19 12 09
1. Background
The EPA is concerned that the EWC (European Waste Catalogue1) code 19 12 09 is being
inappropriately applied to certain wastes. This note has been developed by the EPA in order
to provide guidance on the use of this EWC code. The guidance may be useful to waste
regulators, operators, consultants and other stakeholders involved in the waste industry.
2. Wastes from the mechanical treatment of waste
Chapter 19 12 of the EWC relates to wastes from the mechanical treatment of waste at
waste management facilities (for example sorting, crushing, compacting, pelletising) not
otherwise specified. The waste type EWC 19 12 09 minerals (for example sand, stones) is
listed in Chapter 19 12.
Minerals may be described as solid inorganic substances, generally of natural occurrence
and mineral wastes typically come from construction and demolition activities, quarrying or
mining.
3. Use of EWC code 19 12 09 minerals (for example sand, stones)
In order for a waste to be assigned the EWC code 19 12 09 the following must apply:
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The waste inputs to the mechanical treatment must be of an inert and mineral
nature i.e. stones, sand, concrete, bricks, and tiles. These waste streams generally
arise from construction and demolition (C&D) activities.
Small quantities of other entrained inert waste (e.g. wood, plastic, metals, rubber)
may be present in the waste inputs but must be such that they can be easily
removed during mechanical treatment and they must not be present in the waste
outputs coded as EWC 19 12 09.
The waste outputs coded as EWC 19 12 09 must be of an inert and mineral nature
i.e. sand, stones, concrete, bricks and tiles.
The waste inputs and outputs must not contain hazardous substances (e.g. asbestos)
or other contaminants.
The EWC code 19 12 09 should not be applied to residues generated from the co-processing
of C&D waste with commercial, industrial or household waste sources. Waste residues
1
http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/waste/stats/EPA_waste_catalogue_hazard_list_2002.pdf
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DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION JUNE 2014
generated from the co-processing of non-hazardous C&D and other non-hazardous wastes
should be classified as 19 12 12 other waste (including mixtures of materials) from
mechanical treatment of wastes other than those mentioned in 19 12 11*.
Commercial/industrial/household skips usually contain variable amounts of non-mineral
wastes including food waste, garden waste, papers, cardboards, composites, textiles,
plastics, soils etc., and it is difficult to sufficiently separate these wastes from mineral waste
during the processing.
It is advised that waste operators reporting waste as EWC 19 12 09 maintain the
following information at their sites:
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Confirmation that the waste inputs to the processing line are of a predominantly
inert and mineral nature.
Confirmation that the waste outputs are of an inert and mineral nature.
Details of the sources of each waste input including tonnage, name and address of
each source and description of waste from each source.
Details of all processing that the waste undergoes at the treatment facility, including
schematic diagrams.
Details of types and weights of all residues and outputs from the processing.
Records of any sampling and testing undertaken on the waste inputs and outputs.
Details of the destination of any wastes coded as 19 12 09, including name and
address and details of waste authorisation, should be maintained by the waste
operator.
Important Information:
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Nothing in this document shall be construed as negating a waste operator’s statutory
obligations or requirements under their waste authorisation or any other
enactments or regulations.
Outputs remain waste unless end-of-waste status is achieved. The EPA website
provides further information on obtaining end of waste status at the following link:
Article 28 :: Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland and on by-product
notifications By-products (article 27) :: Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland.
Refer also to Draft for Donsultation on EPA viewpoint on the use of EWC Chapter 17
and Chapter 19 12 codes.
This document may be withdrawn if it becomes apparent that it is generally being
misapplied or misused.
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DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION JUNE 2014
The EPA now wishes to seek the views of stakeholders on this proposed guidance. Please
respond with comments in the below format to [email protected] by 8th August 2014.
COMMENT FORM: EPA Viewpoint on the use of EWC code 19 12 09
Comments from:
Name:
Organisation:
Address:
Email:
Comment
No.
Page Paragraph
No. No.
Comment
Your Proposal for Rationale for proposed
modification
modification
The completed comment form should be emailed to [email protected] by 8th
August 2014.
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