EWC Code
Wastes from manufacture, formulation, supply and use of sulphur-containing chemicals, sulphur chemical processes and desulphurisation processes
EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC — Official Journal L 226, 06/09/2000Annual Volume
~2–4 Mt/year sulphur waste and by-products EU-wide
Valorisation Range
Elemental sulphur product €50–120/t; spent FGD gypsum €5–15/t (near zero)
Primary Route
FGD gypsum valorisation
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Get contacts for EWC 06 06EWC 06 06 covers waste streams from the manufacture, use and recovery of sulphur-containing chemicals including sulphuric acid, sulphites, thiosulphates, sulphides and elemental sulphur, as well as residues from flue gas desulphurisation (FGD). Sub-code 06 06 02* (wastes containing dangerous sulphides) is hazardous; 06 06 03 covers non-hazardous sulphide-bearing waste.
FGD gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate) is the largest volume stream — ~15 Mt/year across EU power stations. It is a valuable by-product when quality meets EN 13279 plasterboard gypsum standards, but has near-zero or negative value when contaminated with fly ash, heavy metals or chlorides. Sulphide wastes from chemical production carry H2S generation risk (H6/H2 hazard properties).
Elemental sulphur from Claus process and hydrodesulphurisation (where meeting product specification) exits the waste classification as a by-product. FGD gypsum end-of-waste status is recognised in several Member States under national by-product frameworks. Sulphidic sludges require controlled handling to prevent H2S evolution in warm or acidic conditions.
Typical Generators
Established valorisation pathways for EWC 06 06, ranked by economic value and market depth. FGD gypsum valorisation is the primary route.
FGD gypsum supplied to plasterboard manufacturers (LafargeHolcim, Knauf, Saint-Gobain) as substitute for natural gypsum. Requires moisture, purity and heavy metal content to meet EN 13279 and plasterboard manufacturer specifications. Typical gate fee near zero with transport cost borne by generator.
Elemental sulphur from Claus process and spent H₂SO₄ cracking sold to fertiliser manufacturers (sulphuric acid and superphosphate production). Claus sulphur degassed and block-stored; grading and moisture specification required for international trade.
Sulphidic sludges (06 06 02*) requiring disposal must be stabilised or separately landfilled with leachate collection. H2S monitoring in landfill gas and perimeter air is required — dangerous if mixed with acidic materials in co-disposal cells.
These are the established routes for EWC 06 06. Which one your stream qualifies for depends on its composition, volume and region.
Get the ranked options for your streamPrimary & secondary off-takers
Primary consumer of FGD gypsum as substitute for natural mined gypsum
Purchases sulphur and sulphuric acid for sulphate fertiliser production
Uses FGD gypsum as setting retarder in Portland cement
Elemental sulphur applied as soil amendment and fungicide in organic agriculture
Source: NACE Rev.2 — Eurostat, 2008
Key legislative frameworks governing EWC 06 06 classification, transport, and treatment.
FGD systems are BAT for SO₂ control at coal and oil power stations above 50 MWth. BAT-AELs: SO₂ ≤150 mg/Nm³ (hard coal), FGD gypsum quality monitoring required annually. H₂S monitoring at sulphide waste storage areas.
FGD gypsum recognised as by-product or subject to end-of-waste criteria in DE, UK and several other Member States where quality standards for plasterboard grade material are met. No harmonised EU EoW criteria — national decisions apply.
Sulphide-containing wastes generating H2S above threshold concentrations classified as hazardous (H2 — flammable, or H6 — acutely toxic). Mixed disposal with acidic waste prohibited under hazardous waste mixing rules.
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Sectors that valorise EWC 06 06 as an input material or secondary raw material.
Waste-stream pages and resources connected to EWC 06 06 valorisation.
Explore EU waste flows — Waste Atlas
Visualise 17 years of E-PRTR industrial facility data. See how EWC 06 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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