In the context of increasing environmental concerns and the need to protect natural resources, proper waste management is essential. A central tool in this process is the waste code system. These codes, referred to as waste codes, are used to identify and classify types of waste based on their origin and characteristics. The system aids in tracking waste flows and applying proper management procedures, such as recycling, treatment, or safe disposal.
Waste codes are established in line with European and international regulations, with the European Waste Catalogue (EWC) being the most recognized. This categorized list assigns each waste type a unique six-digit code, reflecting its source and nature. Code assignment is based on an assessment of the chemical composition and potential environmental impact, and correctly classifying waste facilitates the application of the most suitable recycling or disposal methods, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient waste management system.
A key instrument in this process is the waste coding system, regulated in Romania by HG 856/2002. These codes are used to identify and classify types of waste according to their origin and characteristics. All waste is identified by a six-digit code, following this procedure:
a) Identify the waste-generating activity from chapters 01-12 or 17-20;
b) Identify the sub-chapter the waste falls under – a code with only four digits;
c) Within the sub-chapter, individually identify the waste according to the corresponding code, consisting of six digits, excluding codes ending in 99;
d) If the waste is not identified in chapters 01-12 or 17-20, check chapters 13, 14, and 15;
e) If still not identified, examine chapter 16;
f) If not found in chapter 16 either, refer to codes ending in 99 – other waste, corresponding to the activity from which the waste originated.
According to HG 856/2002, waste can be classified as non-hazardous or hazardous, with the latter marked with an asterisk (*).
For waste to be classified as hazardous, it must exhibit one or more of the hazardous properties listed in Annex IE to OUG no. 78/2000, approved with modifications by Law no. 426/2001. Waste with properties provided in H3 – H8, H10, and H11 from Annex IE to OUG no. 78/2000, are considered hazardous if they exhibit one or more of the following characteristics:
a) Flashpoint ≤ 55°C;
b) One or more substances classified as very toxic, in a total concentration ≥ 0.1%;
c) One or more substances classified as toxic, in total concentration ≥ 3%;
d) One or more substances classified as harmful, in total concentration ≥ 25%;
e) One or more corrosive substances classified as R35, in total concentration ≥ 1%;
f) One or more corrosive substances classified as R34, in total concentration ≥ 5%;
g) One or more irritating substances classified as R41, in total concentration ≥ 10%;
h) One or more irritating substances classified as R36, R37, and R38, in total concentration ≥ 20%;
i) A substance known to be carcinogenic, category 1 or 2, in concentration ≥ 0.1%;
j) A substance known to be carcinogenic, category 3, in concentration ≥ 1%;
k) A substance toxic for reproduction, category 1 or 2, classified as R60 and R61, in concentration ≥ 0.5%;
l) A substance toxic for reproduction, category 3, classified as R62 and R63, in concentration ≥ 5%;
m) A mutagenic substance, category 1 or 2, classified as R46, in concentration ≥ 0.1%;
n) A mutagenic substance, category 3, classified as R40, in concentration ≥ 1%.
Regarding the hazardous properties provided in paragraph (2), the following clarifications apply:
a) For hazardous property H10, use the term “toxic for reproduction,” as defined in Government Emergency Ordinance no. 200/2000 on the classification, labeling, and packaging of hazardous chemicals, approved and amended by Law no. 451/2001, to highlight this hazardous property more clearly;
b) Substances are classified as hazardous in accordance with the provisions of Government Decision no. 490/2002 approving the Methodological Norms for implementing OUG no. 200/2000 on the classification, labeling, and packaging of hazardous chemicals;
c) “Heavy metal” means any compound of arsenic, cadmium, chromium (VI), copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, tin, antimony, thallium, and tellurium, as well as these in metallic form.
Waste Code List
- Waste from mineral exploration and quarries and the physical and chemical treatment of minerals;
- Waste from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting, and fishing, and from the preparation and processing of food;
- Waste from wood processing and the production of panels, furniture, pulp, paper, and cardboard;
- Waste from leather, fur, and textile industries;
- Waste from oil refining, natural gas purification, and coal pyrolytic treatment;
- Waste from inorganic chemical processes;
- Waste from organic chemical processes;
- Waste from the production, preparation, supply, and use (PPSU) of coating layers (paints, varnishes, vitreous enamels), adhesives, glues, and printing inks;
- Waste from the photographic industry;
- Waste from thermal processes;
- Waste from chemical treatment and coating of metals and other materials; non-ferrous hydrometallurgy;
- Waste from metal and plastic surface modeling, mechanical, and physical treatment;
- Oily waste and waste from liquid fuels (excluding edible oils and those from chapters 05, 12, and 19);
- Waste from organic solvents, coolants, and fuels (except chapters 07 and 08);
- Packaging waste; absorbent materials, polishing materials, filter materials, and protective clothing not specified elsewhere;
- Other unspecified waste;
- Waste from construction and demolition (including excavated soil from contaminated sites);
- Waste from health care or veterinary activities and/or related research (excluding waste from food preparation in kitchens or restaurants, not originating directly from health care activities);
- Waste from treatment facilities, wastewater treatment plants, and water and industrial water treatment;
- Municipal and similar waste from commerce, industry, institutions, including separately collected fractions.