EWC Code
Sludges containing chromium, in particular from on-site effluent treatment
EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC — Official Journal L 226, 06/09/2000Annual Volume (EU)
~2 Mt/year EU leather industry residues (hides, sludge, chemicals)
Valorisation Range
Chrome shavings €20–60/t; tallow/fat from liming €200–400/t; leather scrap for gelatine €40–80/t
Primary Route
Chrome recovery and protein valorisation
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Get contacts for EWC 04 01 06EWC 04 01 06 is a specific sub-code under EWC 04 01 — Wastes from the leather and fur industry. The classification guidance below applies to this waste stream.
EWC 04 01 covers the full range of residues from raw hide and skin processing through to finished leather: lime sludge (from unhairing), raw hair, fleshings (fat and tissue from hide preparation), chrome shavings (trimming of wet-blue chrome-tanned leather), chrome dust, buffing dust, spent tanning liquors, finishing sludge and wastewater treatment residues. The tanning process involves multiple wet chemical stages generating both hazardous (chromium-containing) and non-hazardous streams.
Chrome shavings from wet-blue leather are the most commercially significant waste stream — containing 3–5% chromium (predominantly Cr(III)), they are used for chrome recovery (hydrothermal hydrolysis), gelatin production, and as a protein fertiliser input subject to REACH chromium limits. Liming sludge (calcium hydroxide, hair, proteins) is used in biogas production after de-hairing. Fleshings (rendered to tallow) are a Category 3 ABP. Spent chromium tanning liquors require treatment and chrome recovery before discharge.
EU tanneries are covered by IED as large installations, with BAT conclusions defining emission limit values and waste minimisation techniques. The sector has faced significant environmental scrutiny due to chromium: while Cr(III) is used in tanning, Cr(VI) can form under certain oxidising conditions and is a serious health and environmental hazard. REACH restriction proposals for Cr(VI) in leather articles affect supply chain waste management requirements.
Typical Generators
Established valorisation pathways for EWC 04 01 06, ranked by economic value and market depth.
Chrome shavings hydrolysed to recover chromium for return to tanning liquor and protein hydrolysate for fertiliser or pet food. Chrome recovery reduces raw material cost and hazardous waste liability. Requires specialist hydrometallurgical plant.
Non-chrome organic residues (fleshings, liming sludge, hair) rendered (Category 3 ABP route) for tallow and protein meal, or co-digested for biogas. Digestate from liming sludge biogas is an alkaline soil conditioner.
Chrome shavings, buffing dust and chrome sludge that cannot be valorised disposed at permitted hazardous or non-hazardous landfill depending on total chromium content and leachability. Pre-treatment to reduce Cr(VI) formation required before disposal.
These are the established routes for EWC 04 01 06. Which one your stream qualifies for depends on its composition, volume and region.
Get the ranked options for your streamPrimary & secondary off-takers
Tanneries are primary generators; leather goods manufacturers generate cutting waste and offcuts
Chrome recovery specialists return chromium sulphate to tannery market
Rendering and hazardous waste treatment facilities receive tannery residues
Tallow from hide fleshings used in soap and oleochemical production
Sectors that valorise EWC 04 01 06 as an input material or secondary raw material.
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