EWC Code
Sludges from on-site effluent treatment
EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC — Official Journal L 226, 06/09/2000Annual Volume
~1–3 Mt/year sludge from inorganic chemical plant effluent treatment
Valorisation Range
Metal recovery from sludge €50–200/t; disposal cost €80–250/t hazardous landfill
Primary Route
Hydrometallurgical metal recovery
Need verified buyer contacts with location-specific pricing?
Get contacts for EWC 06 05EWC 06 05 covers sludges arising from on-site physicochemical or biological treatment of process effluents at inorganic chemical facilities. Sub-code 06 05 02* (sludges from on-site effluent treatment containing dangerous substances) is hazardous; 06 05 03 covers non-hazardous sludge from the same source.
Sludge composition reflects the parent process — sulphate, chloride and metal hydroxide sludges from acid neutralisation; calcium fluoride sludge from HF neutralisation; chromium hydroxide sludge from chromate reduction and precipitation. Metal content determines whether the waste is hazardous under WFD Annex III property H14 (ecotoxic) or H6 (acute toxic).
Chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS) and specific heavy metal concentrations are measured to classify and route sludge. Dewatering (filter press, centrifuge) reduces volume before disposal. Where metal concentrations are economically viable, hydrometallurgical recovery is preferred. Non-hazardous calcium-bearing sludges may be suitable for cement kiln or agricultural use if composition is acceptable.
Typical Generators
Established valorisation pathways for EWC 06 05, ranked by economic value and market depth. Hydrometallurgical metal recovery is the primary route.
Metal hydroxide sludges with significant Zn, Ni, Cu or Cr content processed through acid leach + SX/IX circuits to recover metal values. Residual stripped sludge re-tested; may qualify as non-hazardous after metal removal for landfill or co-processing.
Non-hazardous calcium sulphate and calcium fluoride sludges used as alternative raw material in cement clinker production. Fluoride acts as mineraliser, reducing kiln energy consumption. Acceptance limits: F ≤ 0.5% in feed; heavy metals checked against kiln operator permit.
Hazardous sludges (06 05 02*) stabilised and disposed at hazardous landfill after WAC testing. Non-hazardous calcium carbonate sludges disposed at inert landfill. Dewatering to >30% dry solids typically required before acceptance.
These are the established routes for EWC 06 05. Which one your stream qualifies for depends on its composition, volume and region.
Get the ranked options for your streamPrimary & secondary off-takers
On-site effluent treatment generates sludge — metal recovery contractors collect for processing
Accepts calcium fluoride and sulphate sludges as alternative raw materials and mineraliser
Recovers copper and other base metals from metal hydroxide sludges
Stabilisation and landfill for non-recoverable hazardous sludge fractions
Source: NACE Rev.2 — Eurostat, 2008
Key legislative frameworks governing EWC 06 05 classification, transport, and treatment.
On-site effluent treatment at inorganic chemical IED installations must achieve BAT-associated emission levels. Sludge generation minimisation is BAT — closed-loop water recycling reduces sludge volumes. Annual sludge composition monitoring required.
Where inorganic chemical site effluent is discharged to municipal WWTP, pre-treatment requirements apply. Metal loading limits set by receiving WWTP permit to protect sludge quality for agricultural use.
Hazardous/non-hazardous status determined by WFD Annex III properties tested on dewatered sludge. Mirror entries (06 05 02*/06 05 03) require waste producer assessment — self-classification with analytical evidence.
Leave your work email. Our industrial desk sends verified company contacts with location-specific pricing and contract minimums for sludges from on-site effluent treatment — not generic benchmarks.
Reviewed by our industrial desk within 1 business day.
Sectors that valorise EWC 06 05 as an input material or secondary raw material.
Waste-stream pages and resources connected to EWC 06 05 valorisation.
Explore EU waste flows — Waste Atlas
Visualise 17 years of E-PRTR industrial facility data. See how EWC 06 05 and related waste streams flow across European industries and sectors.
Source: EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC · NACE Rev.2 — Eurostat 2008
Browse all EWC codes