EWC Code
Wastes from pyrolytic treatment of coal
EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC — Official Journal L 226, 06/09/2000Annual Volume
~2–4 Mt/year EU coke-oven by-products
Valorisation Range
Coal tar €150–400/t; coke breeze €30–80/t; coke-oven gas reused on-site
Primary Route
Coal tar distillation and chemical recovery
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Get contacts for EWC 05 06EWC 05 06 covers residues from the high-temperature carbonisation (pyrolysis) of coal to produce metallurgical coke, including coke-oven by-products such as coal tar, pitch, benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX) fractions, naphthalene and coke breeze. These streams arise at the interface between the steel and chemical industries.
Coke-oven gas is generally recovered and used as process fuel on-site. Coal tar (05 06 01*) is hazardous — a complex polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) mixture subject to strict handling under REACH. Pitch (05 06 03*) is similarly hazardous. Coke breeze (05 06 04) is the non-hazardous fines fraction used in sinter plants or cement kilns.
European coking capacity is concentrated at integrated steelworks (Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Belgium). The industry is in structural decline with the shift to electric arc furnace steelmaking. Coal tar distillation — producing carbon black, creosote and pitch — represents the primary valorisation pathway, governed by IED permits and REACH substance restrictions on PAH-containing materials.
Typical Generators
Established valorisation pathways for EWC 05 06, ranked by economic value and market depth. Coal tar distillation and chemical recovery is the primary route.
Coal tar refined into carbon black feedstock, creosote, naphthalene, BTX fractions and pitch. Requires IED-permitted distillation plant. PAH-rich streams subject to REACH restriction on placing on market for certain applications.
Pitch and coke breeze used as alternative fuel/raw material in cement kilns. High carbon content provides calorific value; inorganic ash substitutes for clinker raw materials. Acceptance governed by kiln operator permit conditions.
Hazardous fractions (05 06 01*, 05 06 03*) incinerated at permitted high-temperature facilities meeting IED Annex VI emission limits for dioxins, PAHs and heavy metals.
These are the established routes for EWC 05 06. Which one your stream qualifies for depends on its composition, volume and region.
Get the ranked options for your streamPrimary & secondary off-takers
Distils coal tar to recover BTX, naphthalene, anthracene and pitch fractions
Integrated steelworks recover coke-oven gas and reuse coke breeze in sinter plants
Co-processes pitch and coke breeze as alternative fuel
Carbon fibre precursor routes consume pitch fractions
Source: NACE Rev.2 — Eurostat, 2008
Key legislative frameworks governing EWC 05 06 classification, transport, and treatment.
Coke ovens are listed IED installations. BAT conclusions (2019) set ELVs for PAH, benzene, dust and NOx. By-product recovery (tar, BTX, gas) is BAT. Annual monitoring of coal tar composition required.
Coal tar pitch and creosote are subject to REACH Annex XVII restrictions on use in consumer articles and certain professional applications due to PAH carcinogenicity. SVHCs in coal tar include benzo[a]pyrene.
Coal tar (05 06 01*) and other tars (05 06 03*) are listed hazardous wastes. Mixing with non-hazardous waste prohibited. Consignment notes, tracking and registered carrier requirements apply.
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Sectors that valorise EWC 05 06 as an input material or secondary raw material.
Waste-stream pages and resources connected to EWC 05 06 valorisation.
Explore EU waste flows — Waste Atlas
Visualise 17 years of E-PRTR industrial facility data. See how EWC 05 06 and related waste streams flow across European industries and sectors.
Source: EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC · NACE Rev.2 — Eurostat 2008
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