EER Classification

The classification of EWC/EER waste codes, i.e. the attribution of the relevant code of the European List of Waste, is carried out through the procedure identified in the paragraph called list of waste in the Annex to Decision 2000/532/EC, as last amended by Decision 2025/934/EU. In Italy, the aforementioned list can be found in Annex D to Part IV of Legislative Decree 152/2006.

The different types of waste included in the list are specifically defined by the six-digit code for each individual waste. The first two digits of the code refer to the industrial and/or waste-generating category  (level I), the third and fourth to the industrial sub-category relating to the individual production process or to the single waste-generating sub-activity (level II), while the last two digits refer to the industrial sub-activity identify the specific type of waste generated (level III). Consequently, to identify a waste in the list, the following steps should be taken:

• identify the source generating the waste by consulting chapters 01 to 12 or 17 to 20 to find the six-digit code for the waste in question, with the exception of the codes of those chapters ending in the digits 99
• If none of the codes in Chapters 01 to 12 or 17 to 20 is suitable for the classification of a particular waste, Chapters 13, 14 and 15 should be examined to identify the correct code
• If none of these codes is suitable, the waste must be defined using the codes in Chapter 16
• If a given waste cannot be classified even by the codes in Chapter 16, code 99 (waste not otherwise specified) shall be used preceded by the numbers in the chapter corresponding to the activity identified in the first step.

The waste classification criteria are mainly based on two approaches:

• on the identification of the generating activity, for certain types of waste;
• on  the original function of the product, for other types (for example, for packaging waste, whatever its origin, reference is always made to item 15 01 of the European List of Waste).

The chapters of the list for the classification of waste EER codes are shown below:

01 Waste from prospecting, mining or quarrying, as well as from the physical or chemical treatment of minerals

02 Waste from agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry, hunting and fishing, food processing and preparation

03 Waste from woodworking and production of panels, furniture, pulp, paper and cardboard

04 Waste from leather and fur processing and textile industry

05 Petroleum Refining Waste, Natural Gas Purification and Coal Pyrolytic Treatment

06 Waste from inorganic chemical processes

07 Waste from organic chemical processes

08 Waste from the production, formulation, supply and use (Pffu) of coatings (paints, varnishes and glazed enamels), adhesives, sealants and printing inks

09 Waste from the photographic industry

10 Waste from thermal processes

11 Waste produced by chemical surface treatment and coating of metals and other materials, non-ferrous hydrometallurgy

12 Waste produced by the processing and physical and mechanical surface treatment of metals and plastics

13 Spent oils and residues of liquid fuels (except edible oils, headings 05 and 12)

14 Organic solvents, refrigerants and waste propellants (except items 07 and 08)

15 Packaging waste, sanitary napkins, rags, filter materials and protective clothing not otherwise specified

16 Wastes not otherwise specified in the list

17 Waste from construction and demolition operations (including excavated soil from contaminated sites)

18 Waste generated by the health and veterinary sector or related research activities (except kitchen and catering waste that does not derive directly from health care)

19 Waste from waste management plants, off-site wastewater treatment plants, as well as from the purification of water and its preparation for industrial use

20 Municipal waste (household and similar waste produced by commercial and industrial activities as well as by institutions) including waste from separate collection

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