EWC Code
Aqueous washing liquids and mother liquors from pesticide/biocide manufacture
EUR-Lex Commission Decision 2000/532/EC — Official Journal L 226, 06/09/2000Annual Volume (EU)
~100–300 kt/year plant protection and biocide process waste
Valorisation Range
Active substance recovery limited; destruction cost €300–800/t hazardous waste
Primary Route
Active substance recovery and rework
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Get contacts for EWC 07 04 01*EWC 07 04 01* is a specific sub-code under EWC 07 04 — Wastes from manufacture, formulation, supply and use of organic plant protection products, wood preserving agents and other biocides. The classification guidance below applies to this waste stream.
EWC 07 04 covers wastes from the manufacture, formulation and application of pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides), wood preservatives (excluding inorganic — 06 13 01*) and other biocides. Virtually all sub-codes in this group are hazardous — 07 04 01* (aqueous washing liquids), 07 04 03* (halogenated solvents), 07 04 07* (halogenated still bottoms), 07 04 08* (other still bottoms) — due to acute toxicity, persistence and ecotoxicity of the active substances involved.
EU pesticide production involves highly toxic intermediates — organophosphate synthesis produces phosphorus trichloride wastes, carbamate production generates isocyanate residues, and chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticide manufacturing (now largely banned — aldrin, dieldrin, DDT) leaves persistent legacy contamination. Active substance formulation generates solvent-based residues and out-of-specification product.
Pesticides classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention (aldrin, chlordane, endrin, DDT, toxaphene) must be destroyed by incineration above 1000°C — specific conditions set by Regulation (EU) 2019/1021. Most current EU-registered pesticides are less persistent but still require controlled disposal to prevent groundwater contamination.
Typical Generators
Established valorisation pathways for EWC 07 04 01*, ranked by economic value and market depth.
Off-specification pesticide product and mother liquors assessed for rework potential — re-processing through formulation line or blending with specification product. Solvent-containing streams distilled to recover formulation solvents. Limited to non-POP, non-highly-acutely-toxic waste streams.
Standard waste pesticide streams incinerated at permitted hazardous waste facilities ≥850°C (1100°C for halogenated). Dwell time 2 seconds minimum. HCl and SO₂ scrubbing required. Destruction efficiency >99.99% for active substances. Ash/residue tested before disposal.
POP-containing wastes above limit concentrations must be destroyed under Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 at certified facilities operating above 1100°C with dioxin/furan ELV ≤0.1 ng TEQ/Nm³. Annual mass balance and destruction verification report required.
These are the established routes for EWC 07 04 01*. Which one your stream qualifies for depends on its composition, volume and region.
Get the ranked options for your streamPrimary & secondary off-takers
Generates 07 04 waste — in-house incineration or contracted specialist disposal
Licensed high-temperature incinerators accepting pesticide and biocide manufacturing waste
Distributors manage formulation reject lots under EPR obligations
Agricultural pesticide waste (diluted spray tank rinsate) requires separate collection infrastructure
Sectors that valorise EWC 07 04 01* as an input material or secondary raw material.
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