List of Wastes

The List of Waste is meant to be a reference nomenclature providing a common terminology throughout the Community with the purpose to improve the efficiency of waste management activities. The List of Waste (LoW) serves as a common encoding of waste characteristics in a broad variety of purposes like classification of hazardous wastes. Assignment of waste codes has a major impact on the transport of waste, installation permits (which are usually granted for the processing of specific waste codes), decisions about recyclability of the waste or as a basis for waste statistics. According to Decision 2000/532/EG, the LoW should be revised regularly on the basis of new knowledge and, in particular, of research results. The Thematic Strategy on Prevention and Recycling has called for a revision of the system of waste nomenclature with the purpose of simplifying and modernising waste legislation.