EWC Code
Spent activated carbon (except 06 07 02)
EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC — Official Journal L 226, 06/09/2000Annual Volume (EU)
Varied — catch-all chapter for unclassified inorganic chemical wastes
Valorisation Range
Activated carbon €100–300/t regenerated value; specialist catalysts €200–2000/t recovery
Primary Route
Activated carbon thermal regeneration
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Get contacts for EWC 06 13 02*EWC 06 13 02* is a specific sub-code under EWC 06 13 — Wastes from inorganic chemical processes not otherwise specified. The classification guidance below applies to this waste stream.
EWC 06 13 is the catch-all for inorganic chemical process wastes that do not fit other 06 xx sub-chapters. Sub-codes include 06 13 01* (inorganic plant protection products, wood preservatives and biocides — hazardous), 06 13 02* (spent activated carbon — hazardous if it has adsorbed dangerous substances), 06 13 03 (carbon black) and 06 13 05* (soot from inorganic synthesis processes).
Spent activated carbon (06 13 02*) is a high-volume, commercially significant waste stream. Generated by water treatment, air purification, food processing and solvent recovery — the carbon must be classified hazardous if it has adsorbed substances that impart hazard properties (e.g., chlorinated solvents, heavy metals, cyanides). Regeneration by thermal reactivation (800–900°C in a rotary kiln) restores adsorptive capacity.
Inorganic plant protection products (06 13 01*) include copper sulphate, copper oxychloride and other copper-based fungicides in waste form. Creosote and pentachlorophenol (PCP) wood preservatives — now largely phased out under Biocidal Products Regulation — still appear as legacy contamination waste. Carbon black (06 13 03) from inorganic processes differs from tyre-derived carbon black under 19 01 xx.
Typical Generators
Established valorisation pathways for EWC 06 13 02*, ranked by economic value and market depth.
Spent activated carbon reactivated at 800–900°C in rotary kiln under controlled steam/CO₂ atmosphere. Regenerated carbon (70–90% capacity recovery) returned to service. Reactivation off-gas treated for VOCs, dioxins and particulates. Mercury-loaded carbon requires retort distillation before or during regeneration.
Non-hazardous carbon black (06 13 03) used as carbon filler in rubber and plastic products, or co-processed as alternative fuel in cement kilns. Off-spec carbon black assessed for impurity content; sulphur, ash and oil absorption specifications must be met for rubber/plastic use.
Spent activated carbon too contaminated for regeneration (high metals, persistent organic compounds) incinerated at >1100°C. Plant protection product wastes (06 13 01*) incinerated with scrubbing for HCl, HF and SO₂. Residual ash characterised before disposal.
These are the established routes for EWC 06 13 02*. Which one your stream qualifies for depends on its composition, volume and region.
Get the ranked options for your streamPrimary & secondary off-takers
Activated carbon regeneration specialists operate rotary kiln reactivation facilities
Primary consumers of activated carbon — and take back spent carbon for regeneration or disposal
Co-processes carbon black waste as alternative fuel/raw material
Handles spent activated carbon too contaminated for regeneration and PCP/creosote wastes
Sectors that valorise EWC 06 13 02* as an input material or secondary raw material.
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