EWC Code
Wastes from manufacture of inorganic pigments and opacifiers
EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC — Official Journal L 226, 06/09/2000Annual Volume
~500 kt–1 Mt/year process waste from TiO₂ and other pigment manufacture
Valorisation Range
Iron sulphate by-product €5–30/t; TiO₂ off-spec €50–100/t; sulphuric acid waste cost €20–80/t
Primary Route
Ferrous sulphate valorisation
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Get contacts for EWC 06 11EWC 06 11 covers wastes from the manufacture of inorganic pigments — principally titanium dioxide (TiO₂ by sulphate and chloride processes), iron oxide pigments, chromium oxide, zinc oxide and lead-based pigments. Sub-code 06 11 01 (calcium-based reaction waste from titanium dioxide production) is specifically listed as non-hazardous; 06 11 99 covers wastes not otherwise specified.
TiO₂ sulphate process generates significant waste streams — dilute sulphuric acid waste (green liquor), ferrous sulphate (copperas, FeSO₄·7H₂O) and calcium sulphate neutralisation sludge. The EU TiO₂ Directive (78/176/EEC, now replaced by IED) historically allowed sea disposal of acid waste; this route is now prohibited. Iron oxide pigment manufacture produces ferrous sulphate and ammonium sulphate by-products.
Iron sulphate (copperas) from TiO₂ production has an established market as an iron supplement for agricultural soil and water treatment coagulant. Chloride-process TiO₂ generates titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) recovery residues. Lead pigment production is in severe decline due to REACH restrictions; residual lead waste streams are classified hazardous and require specialist treatment.
Typical Generators
Established valorisation pathways for EWC 06 11, ranked by economic value and market depth. Ferrous sulphate valorisation is the primary route.
FeSO₄·7H₂O from TiO₂ sulphate process sold to water treatment operators (as iron coagulant), soil conditioner producers or cement manufacturers (improves workability). Must meet purity specifications — Cr, As, Cd limits apply for agricultural use.
Sulphuric acid waste (green liquor) neutralised with limestone to produce calcium sulphate (gypsum) sludge. If quality sufficient, sold to plasterboard or cement manufacturers. Otherwise disposed as non-hazardous sludge. Neutralisation pH target: 6.5–8.5.
Lead pigment waste and chromium(VI)-containing residues treated as hazardous waste. Lead stabilised as lead sulphate or phosphate before hazardous landfill. Cr(VI) wastes reduced to Cr(III) by FeSO₄ or SO₂ before precipitation and disposal.
These are the established routes for EWC 06 11. Which one your stream qualifies for depends on its composition, volume and region.
Get the ranked options for your streamPrimary & secondary off-takers
TiO₂ producers manage by-product streams; FeSO₄ sold as product to multiple industries
FeSO₄ used as iron coagulant for phosphorus removal in water treatment
Accepts gypsum sludge from TiO₂ acid neutralisation
Handles lead and chromium(VI)-containing pigment wastes
Source: NACE Rev.2 — Eurostat, 2008
Key legislative frameworks governing EWC 06 11 classification, transport, and treatment.
TiO₂ production is explicitly listed in IED Annex I. BAT conclusions address sulphuric acid recovery, green liquor neutralisation, FeSO₄ quality and gypsum disposal. Sea disposal of acid waste prohibited since 1993 under OSPAR.
TiO₂ is classified as a suspected carcinogen (H351) when inhaled as fine particles. Process waste containing TiO₂ dust classified accordingly. Lead chromate and lead sulphochromate pigments are SVHC under REACH; production waste classified as hazardous.
Ferrous sulphate from industrial processes may qualify as fertilising material under the EU Fertilising Products Regulation if meeting heavy metal limits (As ≤40 mg/kg, Cd ≤1.5 mg/kg, Cr(VI) ≤2 mg/kg). Enables by-product market access.
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Sectors that valorise EWC 06 11 as an input material or secondary raw material.
Waste-stream pages and resources connected to EWC 06 11 valorisation.
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Source: EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC · NACE Rev.2 — Eurostat 2008
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